Flow Blue Ceramics: A Guide to This Iconic Tableware

In: Ceramic Art and Design, Decorative & Applied Arts, Decorative Arts Dictionary
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Dahlia' flow blue covered Tureen
Dahlia’s flow blue covered Tureen from V&A Wedgwood Collection

What is Flow Blue?

Flow Blue Ceramics is ceramic tableware with vibrant cobalt blue designs on a white background. Its distinguishing feature is its blurred or smudged patterns resulting from a specific glazing process. This effect was highly sought after, making the more profound and diffused blue pieces particularly desirable among collectors.

History and Production

Flow Blue was produced primarily in England in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many English potters, including Alcock, Meigh, Podmore, Walker, and Wedgwood, were well-known for creating Flow Blue wares. These pieces were often made of ironstone or pearlware, durable ceramic materials for everyday use and decorative display.

Wedgwood 5-Piece Hibiscus Place Setting Set
Wedgwood 5-Piece Hibiscus Place Setting Set in the flow blue style

A prime example of Flow Blue craftsmanship is a tureen made by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons in April 1867. This piece, Dahlia, showcases pearlware’s classic flow blue floral pattern, enhanced with gilded details. The scalloped edges, ornate foot, and a hand-modelled, leaf-decorated handle add to its decorative appeal. The tureen also comes with a matching stand, reinforcing the elegance associated with Flow Blue ceramics.

Patterns and Styles

Flow Blue ceramics were available in a wide range of patterns, often inspired by:

  • Oriental motifs (reflecting the popularity of Chinese and Japanese designs in Europe)
  • Floral and botanical themes
  • Romantic pastoral scenes
  • Geometric patterns

The smudging effect of the cobalt blue added an ethereal quality to the designs, making each piece unique. The Dahlia tureen, for instance, features a soft, flowing floral design that exemplifies the sought-after blurred aesthetic.

Collectibility and Value

Collectors prize Flow Blue for its distinct aesthetic and historical significance. The desirability of a piece is often determined by:

  • The depth and diffusion of the blue colour—the more pronounced the flow, the more valuable the piece.
  • The rarity of the pattern—some patterns are more complex to find than others.
  • Condition—chips, cracks, or significant wear can reduce value.
  • Maker’s mark—pieces stamped with specific pottery marks, such as those used by Wedgwood, can indicate authenticity and increase value. The Dahlia tureen, for instance, carries impressed Wedgwood marks and a flow blue printed mark confirming its origin.

Modern Interests and Uses

While Flow Blue is no longer mass-produced, it remains a beloved collectible and is often displayed as antique décor. Some contemporary potteries have attempted to replicate the look, but original pieces, such as those from Wedgwood’s Etruria workshops, remain highly sought after.

Sources

Bingham, D., Bingham, J. (1992). Tuttle Dictionary of Antiques & Collectibles Terms. United States: C.E. Tuttle.

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