Hello sweet friends! It’s time for the bi-monthly Lifestyle of Love Hop hosted by Cindy of County Road 407. I loved her cherished vintage collection. Today I am sharing A Collection Of Red Transferware.
A Collection Of Red Transferware
I began collecting red transferware over 20 years ago while Mr. Decor and I were stationed in Germany.
Transferware first started appearing on the market in the late 18th century. It became extremely popular in the 1820s and 1830s.
By the 1860s many households used transferware as their everyday dishes. This made it perfect for a Little Women inspired tablescape.
Transferware is a style of decorated china.
Before the transferware technique was developed porcelain china was hand-painted and quite expensive.
Transferware is made with ironstone china. It was developed by Miles Mason in the 1780s and patented by his son, Charles James Mason, in 1813. Ironstone is heavier and thicker than porcelain and much more durable.
A hand-engraved copper plate was used to print the various designs onto paper. The printed paper was then pressed, pigment side down, onto the dish. The paper was then removed in water or burnt off while in the kiln.
Pretty Colors and Patterns
Most transferware features a white background with a one-color pattern. Blue Willow is probably the most popular color and design combination. I would say that antique purple (also known as lavender/mulberry) transferware pieces are the hardest to find.
I settled upon red (also known as pink) transferware because I felt it could be used for so many holidays ~ Valentine’s day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor day and of course Christmas.
Transferware images often feature landscapes, architecture, animals, florals and romantic themes.
Did you happen to notice that my dishes feature a variety of designs?
This is because I found each piece separately at various flea markets and thrift stores. But I think they work beautifully together.
Today a piece must really capture my fancy to come home with me.
There are many great books and websites that you can learn more about transferware. I hope you have enjoyed a glimpse of one of my favorite things to collect.
Up next Debra from Common Ground is sharing one of her favorite collections.
I’ll be back soon with another Little Women Holiday inspired post.
Laura
Such a fun lesson about transferware Laura! I have lots of brown and white transferware but not a stitch of red. It never dawned on me how many different occasions you could use that color for until you shared this post. I think you’ve inspired a new collection! Hope you and your family have an amazing holiday season. Your collection is beautiful! Hugs, CoCo
Laura, you had me at red dishware. What a fantastic collection and it’s perfect for the holidays too. Pinned and happy hopping with you.
Laura, you have such a wonderful collection. And I love your wonderful Little Women inspired tablescape. All your pieces are beautiful and are lovely companions to each other. I collect red, brown, and green, and the red is always out at Christmas!! Hope you’re having a beautiful Christmas season!!
I started collecting Blue Willow when I was in high school, and later expanded into other blue and white patterns. I think I’d make the same choice today, but perhaps the red or purple would have been a good choice! That’s a beautiful coffee pot!
So glad you shared how and when they made transferware. I didn’t know! All I knew is that it is fantastically beautiful and I can never find any! Love that you mixed the patterns too. Everything looks amazing. But hello – those little chair place card holders?! What the cuss?! Those are the cutest thing since the color pink. What a fun hop. Thank you for joining in and sharing your collection. I LOVE IT!!!
Laura, I admire that wide band of design around the ironstone. The patterns never go out of style and the technique used to manufacture them is so interesting. Besides their quality, their beauty remains constant after 100+ years. I have one piece that is from the Aethetic Movement, 1870s through the 1880 in England, and it is as uncrazed and solid as the day it came out of the kiln. Thank you for sharing and always giving your readers something delightful to think about and see.
Laura!
This was so interesting to read since I didn’t know the story behind transfer ware. I’m a big fan of it and have a few random pieces.
I love that you picked red in order to use it for various holiday occasions. As always, I’ve learned something new and fun from you.
Ann
I really LOVE transferware! I collect both red & white and blue & white. Your table setting is so pretty!
The red transferware is so festive — and can be used throughout! Very pretty on your lovely table!
You have so many transferware pieces in your collection Laura! You have inspired me to work on finding more pieces for my collection. I love how you explained what transferware was. Like you, I chose red (pink) because there were so many holidays we could use them for. I really want to find brown and white transferware next but there aren’t many deals around. So pretty. Happy holidays my friend.
Love your beautiful red transferware collection and how cool that you got it in Germany! I’m loving my “new” red transferware; so fun for holidays.