Har-Ber Village exhibits one of the largest collections of
gold lustre tea leaf ironstone china in the United States.
To get the copper lustre, gold or copper oxide is added in different
designs or motifs to the glazes before firing the ironstone.
The ironstone was originally introduced by Anthony Shaw,
an English potter. Potters in England produced ironstone
from the mid-1850's through the early 1900's.
Early tea leaf ironstone was produced in many body styles
and heavy in weight. By the 1870's and 1880's,
simpler body styles were introduced and were
lighter in weight. American potters began the
manufacturing process in the 1880's incorporating
different motifs and designs.
It was a much desired dinnerware and durable enough
to survive ocean travel and overland journeys.
Tea leaf was a favorite of farm and working class folks.
Some pieces show elements of a more elaborate
Victorian usage. It is prized for its durability, beauty, simplicity,
craft and style. Value of the Har-Ber Village collection
runs from the tens of thousands of dollars.
The collection is in bldg 13 and is striking as it
combines table settings and wall displays as well as
individual pieces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION
Har-Ber Village library books
"Grandma's tea leaf ironstone - a history and study of
English and American potteries."
"Grandma's tea leaf ironstone price guide" (1981)
shows values from $12.00 to $1,000.
