I can only think of one word to describe old English
ironstone and that is classic! Most of
it was made in the United Kingdom during the early to mid-1800’s. Ironstone is actually glaze covered earthenware. At that time, it would have
been ironstone transferware that was popular first. You know,
the ones with the beautiful little floral patterns decorating the piece. Somewhere along the way, the American market
caught on to ironstone as it was so much cheaper than porcelain. The American market wanted the undecorated
pieces, thus we have the classic solid white pieces that are so loved today. Most of the vintage ironstone you see was
made in England, France or the United States.
The pieces you find today most likely have little chips, hairline cracks
or crazing (crazing is the darkened areas where oils and other fluids have
seeped in through the glaze). I think
those imperfections speak to a life of being well used and loved so, to me,
it just adds interest. Gather a
collection of pieces to sit on a shelf or in a hutch. They display well with clusters of two or
three pieces! Be sure to stop by South
End Antique Mall and check out our selection of white ironstone as well as some
beautiful antique ironstone transferware!
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| This is an example of transferware |
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| Collect ironstone in tureens, pitchers, bowls and plates for a balanced display |
