What Is Spode China?

Spode China is a brand of bone china tableware. Its many popular patterns and many years of production have made it a showcase in many homes. It often can be recognized by its distinctive blue Italian and Chinese patterns, but there are many other Spode patterns as well. Each piece will have the Spode name on the bottom. New china can be purchased in fine department stores, while older pieces are available from china replacement sites and antique stores.

Types

Spode china tableware has been produced in hundreds of patterns. Its most recognizable pattern is called blue Italian which is characterized by Italian scenes in the center surrounded by a Chinese border. Other popular patterns are blue-colonial gold, Christmas rose and Christmas tree. Popular colors are blue, green and pink.

History

The Spode brand china was started by Josiah Spode in 1784 in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England. The brand has been in continuous production since then, although it merged with Royal Worcester in the 20th century and has recently been purchased by Portmeirion Potteries.

Significance

Josiah Spode created the process of making bone china by adding ground animal bone ash to the formula for porcelain, thus making it stronger. Many companies now use this technique, but Spode China is the oldest brand.

Technique

Adding bone ash to china gives it an ivory color. The pattern is added through a process of hand engraving designs on copper plates which are then printed on tissue paper in the desired color. The paper is applied to the china and dissolved in water, leaving the pattern on the china.

Value

Spode China is highly collectible. The value of each piece is based on how rare it is and what condition it is in. Because china is fragile, cracks and chips often occur and reduce the item's value as a collectible.

Resources

• Purchase Replacement Pieces
• About Collecting