What Is a Transfer Pattern on China?

Transferware was one of the earliest methods used to mass produce decorated china. Although it was most commonly produced in blue, transferware can be found in a range of colors including cranberry, black, green and brown.

Origin

The transferware process was developed in England during the 18th century in response to the growing demand for less expensive chinaware patterns.

Process

Transferware was created by inking an engraved copper plate and pressing the image onto paper. Then the pattern was transferred from the paper onto the pottery.

Medium

Patterns could be transferred onto any type of china including earthenware, bone china and porcelain.

First Patterns

According to the Transferware Collectors Club, blue and white patterns based on Chinese themes were the first to be used on transferware. European designs were slowly incorporated into transferware patterns in the early 19th century.

Museum Collections

Visitors can view fine examples of transferware at the Winterthur Museum in Delaware, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

References

• Transferware Collectors Club FAQs