Iridescent Stoneware Vase from Zaalberg Potteries, 1950s

• Lustre Ware - Lustre decoration on ceramics is created by painting a thin deposit of metal oxide such as gold, silver or copper onto the surface, and then firing the item again, so that metal oxide forms a thin film on the surface. The finished effect is a shiny metallic surface. The technique was used in the 19th century by potteries such as Crown Devon, Grimwades, Maling, and Royal Doulton. However the best known use was by Wedgwood for its Fairyland lustre.
• Iridescent Decoration of Porcelain - Iridescent decoration of porcelain is a technique in which a thin layer of metallic glaze is applied to the surface of porcelain to create a shimmering, rainbow-like effect. The metallic glaze is usually made with a mixture of metal oxides, such as gold, silver, or platinum, that are fused to the surface of the porcelain during firing.
  
  This technique was first developed in the late 19th century, and was particularly popular in Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles of decorative art. Iridescent decoration of porcelain can create a wide range of colours and patterns, depending on the types of metal oxides used and the firing techniques employed. It is a highly skilled and labour-intensive process, requiring a great deal of technical expertise and attention to detail. Today, iridescent porcelain remains a popular and highly valued form of decorative art.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Zaalberg Potteries (Netherlands) - ceramics 3