What is ironstone? That's a question we hear a lot.
It's a semi-porcelain (semi-vitreous) china, common for dishes, kichen ware and other household items such as wash sets and chamber pots during most of 19th and early 20th century. It was made in both patterned and plain white, the undecorated white has become a current favorite, thanks to high-profile status in magazines like Country Living, Country Home, and Martha Stewart Living!
Old ironstone ware is heavy, and the white is a bright, clear, almost blue tint. It wears far better than most pottery, or more delicate true porcelain pieces, making it possible to amass a collection to outfit an entire table with antique ironstone that looks nearly as good as it did 100 years ago.
Most ironstone pieces are marked, whether from England or America. English ironstone fetches higher prices generally, but there are some excellent pieces of American make as well. During the 1920s and beyond, it's use was mostly for restaurant and hotel ware, a great source of ironstone tableware and items such as soap dishes, still readily available at affordable prices.
