From the noble Ford & Sons, potters of Stoke-on-Trent, England, we are pleased to present this dramatic, oversized Antique English Flow Blue Vanity Tray, highlighting bold florals and grand festoons in a superbly preserved brilliant blue.

The large, lavish tray is decorated in the striking "Balmoral" pattern, showcasing all the beautifully detailed shading and blurred tones of rich cobalt that have made Flow Blue such a beloved collectable. Touches of the original gleaming gold highlight still dance along the tray's graceful scalloped edge and a few cheerful clover peek out from the rim's botanical border.

Dating from the early Edwardian era at the turn of the 20th century, this lovely tray is sure to bring its grand yet charming aesthetic to your dresser, vanity or table de chevet (bedside table).

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In good antique condition with only discreet signs of age and use as shown in the alternate images. Circa 1904. Handwashing recommended. Measures 13.25"L x 1"H.

Learn More About Flow Blue

In the late 18th century, Chinese porcelain was an extremely sought-after product in England. The rich blue patterns, hand-painted on a bright white background, were very expensive and limited to the wealthier class.

It took over 100 years for English potters to duplicate the salt-glazed earthenware that created the brilliant white background, along with the application of cobalt oxide, the compound that produced the blue color in transfer printing inks. Cobalt oxide tends to bleed slightly when pieces are glazed and re-fired. The bleeding produced designs that appeared handcrafted, hid minor cosmetic defects, and thus looked more expensive. The blue could be made to “flow” even more by adding a cup of lime or ammonium chloride to the kiln during glazing.

It was sometimes difficult to control the amount of “flow.” Manufacturers ended up with large stocks of factory seconds rejected because the patterns were too blurry. Factory seconds were shipped to the US and sold cheaply in the American market. Here, flow blue became especially popular with the middle class who could now afford to buy these decorative items.

By the late 1800’s, more than 1500 patterns were available in flow blue. Early flow blue patterns mimicked Chinese imports, featuring imagery such as pagodas, temples, and mountains. Later, English pastoral scenes and floral motifs became fashionable.

Around 1915, most English manufacturers stopped making flow blue. The cobalt used by English potters came from Saxony in Germany, and World War I effectively cut off this supply.

(Flow Blue History courtesy of "Rhapsody in Flow Blue: The History of a Plate" by Mari Isa)