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Transferware ceramic pottery is a beautiful addition to any tableware collection and an extremely popular collector’s item. Transferware design techniques were first created in England during the 18th century as an alternative to hand painting designs on fine tableware pieces such as plates, cups, serving platters and bowls. An engraved copper plate is used to transfer ink designs onto the china pieces and then they are fired in a low temperature kiln.

Transferware dinnerware is a wonderful way to add vibrancy to your collection. The variety of patterns and colors gives you the opportunity to collect new pieces without needing to replace your original tableware. The most popular colors for transferware are blue and red but it is also available in brown and green. Designs can vary from simple country scenes to very ornate floral pattern and typically cover an entire piece. Multicolored transferware designs are also available and some also include gold leaf accents.

Transferware is produced today – allowing you to incorporate new transferware dishes into your pre-existing tableware collection. It is a simple way to add new detail and color onto your dining room table. Just remember to follow a few guidelines. First, remember that transferware (like any glass or ceramic tableware) is sensitive to extreme temperature changes and can break or crack when not properly cared for. Be sure to double check if the transferware you are ordering is microwave or dishwasher safe before use. Second, replace older or worn dishes with new transferware pieces to further incorporate your design. Note: you do not need to use the same pattern in all your transferware serving and dinnerware. The use of transferware will tie the look together for you.

Transferware plates, serving dishes, and other household items (such as vases, planters, tea sets, etc.) is ready available online as well as in several fine dinnerware catalogs. Search for ceramic construction and be sure to ask questions. When you begin to collect transferware you will find a wide variety of pieces complement each other nicely ad different combinations of colors and patterns will work together on your table. By using transferware you can easily transform your entire dining room table. Transferware tableware is available online through Look In The Attic & Company and they also offer free assistance.

The Chalre Collection comprises a diverse range of pottery styles used over the past 1,000 years. Tradeware ceramics tell the story of how the peoples of Asia forged social and commercial ties with each other during ancient times. The descriptions below represent the primary styles of tradeware ceramics in the Chalre Collection.

Celadon

Celadon is a western word used originally to describe the green glaze of ceramics from Longquan in China. The glaze is made of clay mixed with wood ash and is 2-5% iron, and must be fired in an oxygen reduced atmosphere.

The celadon method began to be used in the 7th century in China. By the time of the Song dynasty (960-1280), the skills of the potters had advanced to a high degree that fine vessels had a jade-like appearance and texture. By the 14th century, motifs such as lotus flowers and stylized chrysanthemums were incised for decoration.

Celadon production in Thailand seems to have started in the later part of the 14th century – around the time of the ‘Ming ban’ of 1371 when emperor Hongwu decided to prohibit his subjects from trading with all other people. It is thought that Chinese migrants were responsible.

Blue-and-White Porcelain (also called “Underglaze Blue”)

Porcelain is the best known type of ceramic tradeware. It is often referred to as `Blue-and-white’ from its ‘underglaze blue’ (blue cobalt oxide below the glaze). The reason Chinese porcelain became so famous is probably because it was traded widely by Europeans from the 17th century onward. By that time, China had already exported blue-and-white porcelain to the Middle East and Southeast Asia for five centuries.

The first Portuguese merchants to visit China eventually realized the value of the “white gold” and started importing limited quantities for the nobles of Europe. It was however first in 1603 that the Dutch East India Company (VOC) sent a load of porcelain to Amsterdam where it was sold for enormous profit. From that date on, Chinese blue-and-white porcelain became known as the finest in the world and much desired in Europe and North America.

“Blue-and-white” porcelain first appeared during the Yuan dynasty (1127 – 1279) but became so pervasive during the Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644) that today blue-and-white and Ming are commonly used interchangeably.

Whiteware

Whiteware porcelains began to be made on a large scale in the Jingdezhen region of China and at many other southern kilns from the time of the Song dynasty (960 – 1279). The most famous of the early porcelains was qingbai (pronounced ching-pie). Whiteware porcelains were traded throughout Southeast Asia. Until eclipsed by blue-and-white in the 14th century, it was the dominant Chinese porcelain of its era.

Qingbai (also called yingqing) translates literally as “clear bluish-white.” The jade-like texture of the porcelain results from the clear glaze that contains iron in small amounts. When applied over a white porcelain body the glaze produces a greenish-blue colour. Some have incised or moulded decorations.

Underglaze Black

Long before the Chinese made blue-and-white porcelain using cobalt, a black iron oxide was used to paint motifs below a clear protecting glaze. This technique, used at Cizhou in northern China, developed independently from the celadon production in southern China.

By the 14th century, the so-called underglaze technique appeared in Thailand and Vietnam. Fish, and chrysanthemums representing long life and happiness, were preferred at Thailand. In Vietnam, a flower motif was common. It is highly possible that the underglaze decoration technique (painting with oxides and then applying glaze) arrived in both Thailand and Vietnam with immigrating Chinese potters.

Three-Colour Ceramics (also called “Sanci”)

Sancai means three-colours. However, the colours of the glazes used to decorate the wares of the Tang dynasty (618 – 911) were not limited to three in number. In the West, Tang sancai wares were sometimes referred to as egg-and-spinach by dealers for the use of green, yellow and white. Though the latter of the two colours might be more properly described as amber and off-white / cream.

Sancai wares originate from northern China. At kiln sites located at Tongchuan, Neiqui county in Hebei and Gongxian in Henan, the clays used for burial wares were similar to those used by Tang potters. The burial wares were fired at a lower temperature than contemporary whitewares. Burial wares, such as the well-known representations of camels and horses, were cast in sections, in moulds with the parts luted together. In some cases, a degree of individuality was imparted to the assembled figurines by hand-carving.

Multi-Coloured Qing

During the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911), potters began using bright colours to adorn plates and vases with meticulously painted scenes. Porcelain ceramicists began producing five-coloured ware by applying a variety of underglaze pigments to floral, landscape and figurative scenes – a style which was (and is) highly sought-after in the West.

During the Yung Cheng era (1723-1735) porcelain was enhanced by the development of fencai enamel in a wide range of colours and tones.

Earthenware

Earthenware is the earliest type of pottery known to have existed for the past 10.000 years. Secondary clay was formed on the pottery wheel or rolled into strings and laid on top of another to form the pot. Earthenware was commonly fired in simple open pits and therefore found in most early civilizations. Firing temperatures normally reached 400C to 700C.

It is thought that most of the earthenware found its way on trade ships as necessities of the men sailing the vessels. Their limited number suggests that earthenware was never made for export.

In the mid-1950′s in Almacera near the city of Valencia, on Spain’s Eastern Mediterranean coast, a small family workshop was born-Lladro pottery and figurines. Three brothers Juan, Jos and Vicente decided to dedicate their free time to making ceramics as a means of improving their prospects for the future.

As a first step, brothers Juan, Jos and Vicente enrolled in the Valencia School of Arts and Crafts. They studied drawing and painting, while the youngest brother, Vicente, took up sculpture. To put their new knowledge into practice, they built a Moorish-style kiln in the patio of their parents’ home. They began manufacturing and selling their first Lladro pottery on the local market. Meanwhile, they had started to design and produce their own collectible figurines in porcelain.

Later they moved to an Almacera, Lladro pottery markets its creations in over one hundred countries around the world. It’s a good thing that with the artistic skills and talent of the Lladro brothers, they have created a masterpieces through the Lladro porcelain figurines and pottery.
The brothers created their own formula for porcelain paste and refined their manufacturing techniques on all fronts: pigments, molds, varnishes, and firing times, resulting in pieces that not only incorporate great beauty, but emphasize quality of the highest kind. One of the reasons why the Lladro pottery is considered costly, hence the luxury.

Many themes can be turned into a new figurine. With their special feel for art, the Lladro family inspires their sculptors and collaborators to transform thier stripped idea into a fine work of art with the use of porcelain.

Lladro first started creating items such as vases and jugs and later moved on to producing sculptures in 1956. It was because of this move that they became most famous for their porcelain figurines. Enthusiasm for the items produced by the Lladro brothers saw their small workshop expand several times until eventually they moved to Tavernes Blanques in 1958.

Now, Lladro is far from the family workshop that started in the family home’s patio. The fame of Lladro pottery and figurines has reached both ends of the world and will continue to be a huge part of collector’s porcelain pottery and figurines.

Some people are quite passionate about their home decor as they know that there is no place like home and they start deciding the style in which they want to furnish their house in. And once they make this important decision on the style of their home furnishing the rest becomes easy as this way you have a set goal and can choose the accessories and furnishings that go with your favorite style. There are many choices of home furnishing style for you to choose from and you can easily decide which one by carefully going through the details and look for the best comfortable and convenient style that reflects your personality and makes your home a heaven on earth.

Oriental Style:

Oriental style of furnishing has Asian look and is inspired by the Asian way of life and culture. And to decorate you home in Oriental style furnishings you need simple and Sleek Oriental patterns. You need to buy little furniture as less is more. Tables made from Teakwood and Lacquer blend with the Oriental style. You also need to use Oriental rugs and Orientals prints and silk for the upholstery. The Oriental style includes Japanese and Chinese landscapes and you can use their favorite dragon designed upholstery and their sacred Cherry blossom prints that are considered a sign of luck.

Victorian Style:

People who love antiques and prefer classical styles prefer the Victorian styled furniture. This style furniture is flexible enough and never gets out dated as you can get it designed with a modern touch. This was favorite style of the People of England that were built during the Victorian period. Elegant furniture like couches and armchairs helps to enhance the classical atmosphere. The Victorian designs can be used with velvet and rich brocades to create a royal effect. The porcelain vases and the dried flowers will help you relive the Victorian look. Stripes and flora patterns are the trends of the Victorian age.

Traditional Style:

The traditional style home furnishing is classic home furnishing which looks elegant enough. You can decorate the room with China crystals and use mahogany furniture as it blends with the traditional look. The framed landscapes help to enhance the traditional look and the floral upholstery of the cushion and couches makes your home look elegant and beautiful.

Mediterranean Style:

The Mediterranean style of home furnishing is connected with Italian and French Styles. The Mediterranean style of furnishing blends well with warm colors like the earthen colors. Plus the patterns of the upholstery are usually blue in color with a touch of gold. The natural wood furniture makes your room look classy and comfortable. You can also decorate your walls with pictures of flowers and ships.

Modern Style:

Functionality, comfort and affordability along with the latest trends are the modern style of home furnishing as without it your home is a house built with bricks and mortar and a cold atmosphere with an unwelcoming environment.

Whichever style of furnishing you decorate your house in there Rae two basic elements that need to be considered as they are functionality and comfort as without it your hone furnishing is simply useless.

The popularity of the ancient Greek vases are on the go these days. Earlier only the professionals used to appreciate it. General people used to have no interest regarding these vases. For common people these vases only referred to the symbol of the Greek history. However, with the change of time, people have learned to acknowledge the artistic and decorative aspect of this ancient form of art. The modern world has always praised the plain and functional art as the best. Thus it is advisable to turn your focus to the ancient form of art.

If you give a close look at the ancient Greek vases then you would notice that these decorative accessories depict the art form of other ancient societies. These vases are not only art work made out of water and grain. These decorative accessories serve as a descriptive function also. On these vases you would often find pictures of battles, retelling s of mythological stories and other ancient symbols that portray the different features of the ancient society. The looks of these ancient vases may be usual and standard but they always signify class and elegance. During the time when there was no radio and television to turn to, these flower holders added both color and music to the lives of the people.

Presently, people do not appreciate these flower holders for intellectual reasons. They are valued because of their decorative reasons and moreover for the class and elegance they features. Nowadays there are options by which you can include this ancient form of art into your daily life. This is possible by purchasing a duplicate model of these ancient Greek vases and decorating your house with them. These duplicate models are quite affordable as because they come in a cheap rate and they are also very much durable.

When you first set up your restaurant or pub one of the first choices that you make when you start deciding on your decor and tables and linens is what kind of catering crockery will you use. Your table settings, whether at your own establishment or if you are on a catering assignment, make a silent first impression on your diners.

How your table looks depends on the catering crockery that you have selected based on your taste. Besides being functional, your catering crockery should also be stylish. It can be simple and classic or colourful and trendy; the choice is yours and reflects your taste.

Some of the simplest selections of catering crockery that will stand the test of time are the Athena line. Made of porcelain china, the Athena hotel ware is a beautifully classic set of white ware that is at home in a charming little bistro or a busy English pub.

The coffee cups in the line are stackable and dishwasher safe. An invaluable trait is the chip resistant edges. With all of the wear and tear of a busy dining establishment or pub, you want good sturdy catering crockery that can withstand the constant wear and tear of the dishwashing trays, the bus help throwing it into the bus pans and then putting them away on shelves.

The Athena line of catering crockery carries cappuccino cups as well as coffee or tea mugs. The oval coupe plate is just the thing for fish and chips leaving plenty of room for a good size portion. The Athena wide rimmed plates come in 8-inch, 9-inch and 10-inch sizes.

The dinner plates in the Athena porcelain line are a nice wide rimmed eleven inches in diameter. An oatmeal bowl is included in the Athena hotel ware collection and all of the porcelain pieces are microwave safe. Salt and pepper shakers in the same style will complement the table setting along with the sachet holders to neatly hold sugar packets. Individual teapots complete the set and you will be ready for any type of catering event.

An equally lovely and functional line of catering crockery is the Lumina Fine China. Contemporary in design these classic pieces of fine china are strong enough to take the everyday use in a busy restaurant or hotel yet maintain a classy decor. Each piece is microwave, oven and freezer safe.

The Lumina line carries a nice assortment of square plates and bowls that range in size and complement each other. Nice 12-ounce latte mugs will easily hold a nice cappuccino or latte. Oval beverage pots in the Lumina line are perfect for afternoon tea and are available in 15-ounce and 30-ounce sizes. Pitchers to hold cream and sugar bowls in the Lumina line are classic and yet functional. The addition of small bud vases in the line let you dress up your table and keep the same style going.

If you are a no frills eatery, hotel or small bistro, the classic simplicity of the Athena catering crockery will do the trick. If you are looking for a fancier yet still functional line you will be happy with the Lumina line of fine china.