Red, Rare, and Radiant:
The Legacy of Royal Doulton Flambe
The color red, with its vibrant intensity, has always held a significant place in human history and culture. It evokes emotions of passion, power, and excitement, symbolizing wealth and status. In Chinese culture, red is synonymous with joy, luck, and happiness. The rich red hue of Flambe porcelain boasts a storied history, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, when it was used in Imperial rituals for worshipping at the altar of the sun.
Flambe, pronounced flom-bay, is a French term used to describe the ancient Chinese high-temperature glazes with a red color. This remarkable effect is achieved by varying the amount of oxygen in a kiln during firing while adding copper oxide and other substances. The method was likely first discovered by the Chinese during the reign of Wan-li (1573-1620).
At the turn of the 20th century, Royal Doulton Art Director John Slater and Charles J. Noke embarked on a journey to recreate the mystery of Flambe glazes for Royal Doulton. By 1900, only a few pieces were successfully produced, as the firm struggled to consistently achieve the desired effect. Despite the challenges, Royal Doulton invested a substantial amount of money in developing the Flambe wares.
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Success was finally achieved, and Royal Doulton Flambe wares were first showcased at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition.The collection received esteemed praise and an unprecedented 30 awards, cementing the Flambe glaze’s place in history.
Today, Royal Doulton’s Flambe pieces are admired, collected, and appreciated by collectors around the world. The unique variances in color and design continue to capture the hearts and minds of both new and seasoned collectors.
Explore our exclusive collection of Royal Doulton Flambe and bring home a piece of this extraordinary history.