The enduring allure of blue & white

The enduring allure of blue & white

The captivating beauty of blue and white ceramics has transcended time and cultures, mesmerising collectors and home decor enthusiasts for centuries. From the ancient kilns of China to the pot banks of Stoke-on-Trent, this timeless colour combination has woven itself into the fabric of human history and design.


Read on as we delve into the enduring allure of blue and white ceramics, exploring its rich history, and the enduring appeal that continues to resonate today.

The origin of blue & white ceramics

The story of blue and white ceramics begins in ancient China, where the art of pottery making flourished. Early Chinese ceramics were adorned with vibrant glazes and intricate decorations, but it was the development of underglaze blue that truly revolutionised the art form.  


Underglaze blue involves applying the cobalt pigment to the surface of the clay before it’s glazed. When fired in the kiln, the cobalt reacts with the glaze to create a vibrant blue hue that is both durable and beautiful. This technique, believed to have originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), allowed for intricate designs and patterns to be applied with precision. From its humble beginnings in China, the art of blue and white ceramics spread throughout Asia and eventually to Europe, where it soon inspired countless variations and interpretations.

Spode’s blue & white pottery

In the late 1700s, blue and white ceramics became increasingly popular in Britain. However, the British ceramics industry faced a significant challenge. An auction ring, established to curb the influx of Chinese porcelain, drastically reduced imports creating a void in the market for high-quality blue and white ware. However, this adversity spurred innovation and Josiah Spode I, a visionary potter, rose to the occasion. Through his tireless experimentation and masterful craftsmanship, he perfected the production of blue under glaze. This achievement not only solidified Spode's position as a leading manufacturer but also redefined the landscape of the British ceramics industry.


From here blue and white designs were produced in abundance from Spode’s Stoke-on-Trent factory as eager customers visited their London shop, seeking bespoke tableware sets. These customers often requested specific designs or came with imagery they had seen, prompting Josiah Spode II to quickly convey these requests to his father for replication. Since then, Spode has produced hundreds of blue and white designs, with its most iconic Blue Italian pattern, still in production today over 200 years later.  

Blue & white in the modern home 

In a world of ever-shifting trends, blue and white as a colour combination has remained a constant source of inspiration for the home. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to effortlessly blend classic elegance with contemporary aesthetics. Here’s why we continue to love all things blue and white in the home:

Versatility: From minimalist to maximalist, blue and white seamlessly complements a wide range of interior design styles, making it the perfect choice.

Timeless appeal: Its enduring popularity ensures that your blue and white pieces, whether tableware, accessories, or textiles will remain stylish for years to come.

Tranquillity: The cool, calming hues of blue and white evoke a sense of peace and tranquillity, creating a relaxing atmosphere in any space. The colour blue has a naturally soothing effect on the mind and body, helping to reduce stress.

Sophistication: Whether it’s a delicate porcelain teacup or a grand decorative vase, blue and white adds a touch of sophistication and refinement to any room.

Styling blue and white ceramics 

If you want to add more blue and white styling into your home this year, take inspiration from these Spode enthusiasts:  
Gregg Penn styled his Spode blue and white for a special celebratory get-together. The statement cobalt blue stripes of Steccato are mixed and matched with the green leaf pattern of his wallpaper and linens, bamboo chairs and elegant white flowers to create a timeless set-up. 

Jack Kinsey created a stunning Amalfi Coast inspired set-up with his Blue Italian and Steccato tableware, using pops of lemon to beautifully complement the striking cobalt blue.

For @oxfordone Blue Italian pairs perfectly with her fun spring-themed tablescape. Pink gingham, pops of yellow and green and floral accessories add a modern twist to this heritage tableware collection.

And finally, for interior designer and lover of all things colour, Sophie Robinson, the cobalt blue shade of our Blue Italian collection is the perfect complement to her quirky and colourful table setting. Pops of pink, striking blooms and unexpected touches show just how playful you can be when styling your favourite blue and white crockery.

Image credit: Alun Callender

Spode’s trending blue & white: