How to Collect Spode China
At the end of the 18th century, Josiah Spode completed his work on the enhancement of soft-paste porcelain, resulting in what is now called bone china. He popularized the process, and today bone china is considered the best form of porcelain china. The company Josiah created, known simply as Spode, manufactures some of the most popular bone china patterns in the world, including Christmas Tree and Blue Italian.
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Instructions
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Pick a pattern. Spode comes in dozens of patterns, some of which are specialty patterns (such as Spode Christmas Tree) and others for general use (such as Blue Italian or Stafford Flowers).
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Start slowly. Bone china is expensive. Begin collecting the serving pieces, such as bowls, platters or trays. Use these elegant pieces to complement regular tableware or by themselves.
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Begin collecting table place settings. Spode china is usually sold in five-piece place settings, containing a dinner plate, a salad plate, a bread and butter plate, a cup and a saucer. Some popular patterns, such as Spode Christmas Tree, may be purchased as individual pieces, such as a single dinner plate or salad plate.
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Add decorative pieces. Some patterns have pieces used purely for decoration. Consider candlesticks, salt and pepper shakers, a teapot or coasters.
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Look for pieces other than china. Spode also makes glassware, silverware and linens to match some patterns. The Christmas Tree pattern includes Christmas tree ornaments.
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Buy special or limited editions. Some patterns have entire series of designs to complement it. For example, Woodland Hunting Dogs complements the Woodland pattern.
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Visit the museum. The Spode Museum in Stoke-On-Trent, England has exhibits of antique Spode china, guided tours, a clearance shop, a Christmas shop and a restaurant.
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Tips & Warnings
Bone china, such as Spode, should not be placed in the dishwasher. Hand wash china to prevent chips and scratches.
