Sunday, November 7, 2010

Mosaic Monday: Blue Transferware



While I've been reveling for the past few weeks in all the beautiful autumn colors, I felt the need to take a break and look with a fresh eye at something decidedly different. So I'm creating a mosaic of blues today, from some photos that are in my archives.

The blue transferware dish (top, left) belonged to my mother. I don't really remember seeing it when I was a child, but I found it in a closet wrapped in tissue paper so she must have treasured it. It's a bit worse for wear, but the central scene and the flowery rim are beautifully detailed. The backstamp says "Semi-China, English Scenery." A little research suggests that it was made by Minton, circa 1830.

The silver-plated carving set whose handles you see in the photo (bottom right) was a thrift store purchase. It is marked "Griffon Cutlery Works, Germany." The handles have a lovely pheasant and grape leaf motif, reminiscent of Tiffany's Audubon series. The transferware platter they rest upon is marked "Booth's British Scenery." I believe it is from the 1950's -- beautiful but not particularly old.

The flowers are from my garden this past summer. Why does it seem so long ago already? The purple/pink blooms (top, right) are physostegia or obedient plant, so called because the each individual floret will remain wherever it is turned on the stem. I'm not sure if this is just an old wive's tale, but I do know that the plant thrives on neglect and is a stalwart grower in my garden. The white blossom (bottom, left) is a Festiva Maxima peony.

Now let's have some mosaic fun! Here are the instructions:
1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post.
2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.
3. Paste the url into the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.
4. Type your name in the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.
5. Click on "Enter."
6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.
That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline.

54 comments:

  1. Blue & white is my favorite! Thanks for hosting again this week!

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  2. Beautiful transferware, silverware and especially beautiful flowers! A very cheerful mosaic Mary!

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  3. Beautiful Mary! That is a nice break :0)

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  4. AH! Your mosaic this week reminds me of spring! :)

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  5. Lovely - and a welcome relief from the fall browns and oranges that surround us.

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  6. I don't collect dishes myself but enjoyed the ones you showed today Mary.
    The carving set has beautiful ornate handles that look nice against the blue and white plate.
    Festiva Maxima is one of my favourite peonies.
    Judith

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  7. Beautiful, so nice to see summer flowers during the cold, rainy fall.

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  8. These are beautiful - looks like something out of a magazine.

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  9. Playing with my blue transferware today... Yours is beautiful -- and the Summer flowers are, too!

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  10. There is something about the color blue that seems to clean everything around it. Lovely transferware!

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  11. I love the blue and white best! Just beautiful!

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  12. It's so nice to see your Blue Transferware and silver plated carving set. It is a nice change from all the fall colors, but I'm still into those colors with my Brown Transferware Turkey Platter. It's the Feature of my Mosaic for this Monday. As Always, thanks for getting the week off to such a beautiful start with Mosaic Monday!

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  13. Your blue & white looks so fresh~ gorgeous photos! Love your carving set :-)

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  14. Your mosaics are always inspiring, Mary. Thanks again for hosting.

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  15. Mary, your mother's plate brings back memories for me of when I was younger. I have always loved plates like this, with a story painted inside...takes me away into the world of my imagination :)

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  16. Oh so pretty, Mary! I never thought blue and purple would be such a beautiful combination. Love your transferware and bird flatware...Christine

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  17. So so pretty, dear Mary. Your photos are just over the top.

    I only have one mosaic for you this time and it is FAR from pretty...:))
    Thanks so much for hosting this beautiful meme.

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  18. Mary, it is not an old wive's tale about the obedient plant. You can twist the flower and it will remain where you put it. I finally "mastered" mosaics and this is my first submission to Mosaic Monday. Thanks for the help Mary. Good day.

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  19. Blue and white transferware--my favorite. Maybe it's the Dutch in me ... lovely ones you have there! Thanks for organizing another Monday Mosaic.

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  20. Your mosaic is a stunning composition with the beautiful plate, the flowers and the silver.

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  21. A beautiful blue mosaic. What a special treasure to find the transferware plate.

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  22. Thanks, again, for hosting. Your mosaic is so pretty. I love the blue dishes with the flowers!

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  23. Following your blog is such an inspiration to me. Your work is so professional and beautiful. I marvel day after day at the way you compose your shots and use light and color to your advantage. You are so talented. I really do appreciate your taking the time to leave me a comment. It means a lot to me in this digital journey I am embarking on so late in life. Genie

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  24. Hi again Mary
    Oh dear, I must not have explained too well our reunion. The school is 50 years old - we graduated in 1971.
    Judith

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  25. I love the English Scenery pattern. Your photography is always a joy to see. You've got a gift for sure!

    Nancy

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  26. Loved your reds but your blues are just as beautiful!

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  27. Beautiful transfer ware, silver, and flowers! That peony is fabulous!
    Thanks for hosting! ~ Sarah

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  28. Oh yes, summer seems SO long ago! We took my Dad out to dinner this evening -- that's always an early "date" -- and at 5:30 it was already dark.

    Bummer.

    But your mosaic is not a bummer -- it is gorgeous. I love the old plate, even with its little chip. What beautiful and dreamy color and pattern. As always -- lovely!
    Cass

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  29. Wonderful colormix on your Mosaic. Yes sometimes it is nice to change to this bright colors after all the autumn fotos.

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  30. I have recently been going through many of my late mother-in-law's beautiful dishes and am finding treasures.....I know how you feel about the lovely blue plate even with it's little chip. And in my opinion what a great find you made with the serving pieces....I am intrigued by the pattern. Lovely mosaic! :)

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  31. Such pretty soft colors & photos, Mary! I love the effects you achieve with your mosaics.

    Funny how we both mentioned "neglect" in regards to plants this week.

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  32. forgot to say "Thank you" for hosting this fun meme each week. I really enjoy seeing what others are doing.

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  33. A pretty collage. Lovely china and carvingset.

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  34. Beatiful. I like the blue transferware next to the crisp white flowers.

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  35. Mary,
    You make a great point. This change in color palette is beautiful. I love the Fall colors but this is very refreshing and as usual, your work is stunning!
    Have a great day!

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  36. i have a dish just like that...used to be my grandmother's...one little chip. xox btw...it gets use.

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  37. Thank you for helping ease me into every Monday so beautifully Miss Mary! I'm so excited, I just posed my first Mosaic Monday on your blog. You made it very easy to set up and get started for someone non-tecchy like me.
    xoxox

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  38. Beautiful mosaic, Mary.
    Very relaxing and calming..
    glenda

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  39. Good morning Mary,

    I want to say afternoon, because it feels like it already, with the time change. Your mosaic was like a breath of fresh summer air. It does seem like long ago, doesn't it? Especially since I've already got Christmas decorations out and about in our home.

    The blue transferware that was your mother's is so pretty. I love the scene and the fact that it is well worn makes it even more special.

    I hope you have yourself a very lovely November day,
    Susan
    @CluckleBees

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  40. Mary, what a wonderful, peaceful mosaic this week. I love how you put colors and textures together. Gorgeous!

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  41. I've never seen that flower...so amazing.

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  42. mary you have such a good eye, i love how you grouped these images. the purple pops perfectly! and the hint of blue on the right hand side of the peony is a nice subtle blend. thank you so much for doing this! i had so much fun putting one together for heritage farm. jill

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  43. Wonderful photos! And today I joined your mosaic Monday for the first time. It was fun and I will be back. Kit

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  44. Hi Mary, I am oohing and ahhing over that carving set! I love things with pheasants and the detail on these pieces is wonderful. I think blue is a nice contrast to the fall colors. Isn't blue the complementary color to orange? If I ever learn how to make a mosaic I am going to join your party because I love looking at them! Linda

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  45. I love every single one of your dishes! Imagine your mother hiding this beauty away...

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  46. Beautiful dishes! I love the color. Carla

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  47. What a beautiful piece of transferware, Mary. And it looks stunning as the backdrop for the carving set.

    As always, you photography takes my breath away.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com

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  48. Please see my blog for a mention and a link. XX Gypsy Purple

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  49. I love blue transferware! So wonderful that nothing needs to match exactly...anything blue and white will pretty much work. I scoop up everything I can find in blue and white dishes at TJ Maxx, etc and just keep adding on...

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  50. Mary, the transfer plate is very pretty...lovely color and pattern...it's true, it goes with just about anything - a versatile piece which can be passed down for generations.

    The carving set is magnificent and just the kind of thing that one would love to find in a thrift store.

    It's been quite a while since I've been able to join Mosaic Monday, but so glad I'm able to participate today...I've missed all of you.

    Blessings,
    Marianne

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I love to hear what you have to say!