Antique Victorian 'Flow-Blue' Bowl around 1860-1880 era Ref. Oct30

Antique Victorian 'Flow-Blue' Bowl around 1860-1880 era Ref. Oct30

The term 'Flow Blue' is used to describe a blue transfer print in which the ink has been allowed to run into the glaze, producing a blurred or halo effect. It is produced by introducing a chemical such as lime or ammonium chloride into the glost oven at the time glazing takes place. Ceramics showing the 'flow blue' effect were immensely popular in the Victorian times and have become a major collector item today. Originally first conceived in Staffordshire, England, during 1825, it soon became the major source for this ware and a great export commodity especially to the States. Although flow blue originated with the 'blue' color (derived from Cobalt) other colors made their appearance, but, the deep, rich blue and the 'Mulberry" purple-blue are the most sought after colors.
Flow blue can be divided into three distinct groups.
Early Victorian Flow Blue (1830-1860) Basically on ironstone, in intense cobalt blue, with designs which usually covered the entire piece. Many designs were similar to the Oriental patterns imported from Canton and Nanking.
Mid Victorian Flow Blue (1860-1885) Flow blue patterns were more elaborate than earlier styles, less angular and more scalloped. They often incorporated floral or nature scenes, with many pieces being trimmed with gilding.
Late Victorian Flow Blue (1885-1920) A lighter, 'semi-porcelain' had replaced the heavier ironstone, and, far less of the surface was covered by the design. Beading and embossing on the rim was popular. Floral designs were still popular but the Art Nouveau influence was seen in later pieces.
As the public changed their ideas on ceramics, by 1910, most companies had stopped making Flow Blue.

Although I have spent many hours trying to establish who the maker was and what scene is portrayed, I have been unable to do so. There is no maker's mark and I haven't even found another design remotely similar to the one above.
As you will see, it appears to portray an Middle East scene, there is a camel in the background and a number of 'Arabic' dressed individuals. On the left of the scene, there appears to be writing on the wall. There is a famous 'Ottoman Series' of designs which came from an unrecorded pottery, but, they usually named the design.  Possibly, the above design was inspired by one of the Ottoman designs.
I believe the presence of the flowers and the design of the side 'handles' places it around the age I have indicated, definitely not likely to be later than 1880. All in all, the bowl is in excellent condition, with no rubbing, chips, cracks or other damage.
It is interesting to note there are three small spots on the front and back, this would have been where the bowl was stacked on the props in the furnace. 
The bowl measures 27cm in diameter at its widest points (handles) and stands 7cm high

This is a genuine antique. Please remember the classification of an 'antique' is that it should be 100 years old, OR MORE. There are many articles being offered as 'antiques' when, clearly, they are not.

Price R350.00
Post R80.00 

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