Themed Thursdays – Blue Transferware

KD at Southern Whimsy has just begun a new weekly meme called Themed Thursdays. As a collector of blue and white dishes, I was glad to see that the theme for Thursday January 29th is Blue Transferware.

I’d like to share an old pattern that has been seen in many variations in many countries. While we are all familiar with the much-loved Blue Willow patterns, some might not be as acquainted with the Blue Onion pattern. Here is a brief introduction from Edish.com:

"The still popular blue onion pattern originated in Germany over two hundred and fifty years ago. According to the Meissen factory, the originator of the pattern, the onion pattern represents the Chinese pomegranate, peach, bamboo, and lotus flower. The first patterns produced in the west were exact copies of, or heavily inspired by the Chinese porcelain patterns that had been exported to Europe. The blue onion pattern has probably been produced in every major china producing region around the world. The original pattern was a blue, handpainted, underglaze decoration on porcelain, but there are transfer on earthenware versions as well."

Here are items that I have collected, starting with selections from my blue and white teacup collection:

"Blue Danube" - Made in Japan. Note the interesting handle on the cup.

Corelle by Corning "Old Town Blue’ - Made in USA. I got this at the hospital guild thrift shop last year.

J & G Meakin "Blue Nordic" – Made in England. Note the lovely band inside the cup rim.
Royal China "Blue Onion" - Made in United States. A very sturdy design.

Many, many different tablewares and home accessories have been done in the Blue Onion pattern. Here is a sampling from my home:

Pair of Candlesticks – "Blue Danube" - Made in Japan. I found these brand new at an antique store for $8.00.

Platter 12.25" - "Blue Heritage" Enoch Wedgwood – Made in England

Bread and Butter plates 6.5"- "Blue Heritage" Enoch Wedgwood – Made in England.

Dinner Plates - Oxford 7810-2 - Made in Brazil. More sturdy everyday wares.

Salt and Pepper Shakers – Unmarked. A gift from my two youngest sisters.

Small Bowls, 6" dia. - Made in Korea. The edges are beautifully carved.

Sugar Canister - Made in Japan. A thrift store find, it is missing its lid.
Mugs - "Oriental Blue" by Ming Pao - Made in China. These new cups are very sturdy and heavy.

Picture Frame for 3 ½ x 5" picture – Unmarked. I picked this up at Marshalls or TJ Maxx.

As I was looking into the hutch I focussed on items in "Hardwick" by Minton, made in England; I again realized that the design is a take on the Blue Onion pattern. What do you think?


Well, that’s a brief survey of designs in the Blue Onion pattern. I hope you found it interesting. Do stop by again soon.