Flow Blue Bone Dish Value Guide

This antique Flow Blue bone dish, dating from 1890 to 1910, represents the height of Victorian dining etiquette and Staffordshire craftsmanship. Its collectible appeal lies in the intentional 'bleeding' of cobalt oxide into the white semi-porcelain, a technique that created the signature blurred aesthetic highly prized in the American export market.

What Is Flow Blue Bone Dish Worth?

The typical price range for Flow Blue Bone Dish is $45 - $55 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The intensity and clarity of the cobalt 'flow'—too much blurring can obscure the floral pattern, while too little lacks the desired aesthetic.
• The preservation of the gold gilding, as these accents are often the first to wear away from frequent cleaning.
• The presence of a specific maker's mark from the Staffordshire region, which can elevate the price toward the $55 range.
• Physical condition, specifically the absence of 'crazing' in the glaze or chips along the curved edges of the dish.

How to Identify Flow Blue Bone Dish?

• Look for the characteristic 'flow' effect where the deep cobalt blue floral pattern bleeds into the surrounding white glaze.
• Check for a crescent or kidney-shaped profile, specifically designed to sit flush against the edge of a dinner plate.
• Examine the piece for authentic gold gilding accents along the rim, typical of high-end UK production from the late 19th century.
• Verify the material is semi-porcelain, which should feel substantial but exhibit the delicate glaze characteristic of Staffordshire potteries.

History of Flow Blue Bone Dish

Flow Blue china originated in the Staffordshire potteries of England in the 1820s. The distinctive 'flow' or blurred effect of the cobalt blue pattern was an accidental result of adding a volatile agent, such as lime or ammonia, to the kiln during firing, causing the color to bleed. This unique aesthetic quickly gained popularity, especially in the American market, where it was highly sought after for its decorative appeal and perceived luxury. Bone dishes, like the one pictured, were specialized tableware designed to hold discarded bones from fish or meat, keeping them separate from the main plate. They were common during the Victorian era as dining etiquette became more refined.