The Enduring Charm Of Blue Onion Dinnerware Sets

Blue Onion is a porcelain tableware pattern for dishware. The design was created in the 18th century by Meissen porcelain and has since been replicated by other companies. The pattern was likely inspired by a Chinese bowl from the Kangxi period. The design features a grouping of several floral motifs, with peonies and asters in the centre, and winding stems around a bamboo stalk. The onions are not actually onions, but rather mutations of peaches and pomegranates modelled on the original Chinese pattern. Today, Blue Onion dinnerware is available from various retailers such as Etsy and Scully & Scully, with items including plates, bowls, mugs, and creamer and sugar sets.

Blue Onion China Sets

One example of a Blue Onion China Set available for purchase is a vintage set of eight pieces, including a blue creamer, coffee pot, teapot, flour shaker, and salt and pepper shakers, made in Japan. This set is available on Etsy. Another option is a Meissen Blue Onion porcelain bouillon cup with a plate from the 1930s, also available on Etsy. This set is offered at a 50% discount.

Blue Onion Tableware Patterns

Blue Onion (German: Zwiebelmuster) is a porcelain tableware pattern for dishware. The pattern was originally designed and manufactured by Meissen porcelain in the 18th century and the late 19th century. It has since been copied by other companies.

The "onion" pattern was originally named the "bulb" pattern and was designed by Johann Gregor Herold in 1739. It was likely inspired by a Chinese bowl from the Kangxi period. The pattern featured pomegranates, which were unfamiliar in Saxony, so the plates and bowls produced in the Meissen factory in 1740 created their own style. The so-called "onions" are not onions at all but are most likely mutations of the peaches and pomegranates modelled on the original Chinese pattern. The design is a grouping of several floral motifs, with peonies and asters in the pattern's centre, and winding stems around a bamboo stalk.

Before the end of the 18th century, other porcelain factories began copying the Meissen Zwiebelmuster pattern. In the 19th century, almost all European manufacturers offered a version, with transfer-printed outlines that were coloured in by hand. One of the most famous copies is the Japanese version called "Blue Danube", which is still well-known among tableware patterns today.

Some rare dishes feature a green, red, pink, or black pattern instead of the traditional cobalt blue. A very rare type is called "red bud" because there are red accents on the blue-and-white dishes.

Blue Onion Meissen Plates

Meissen Blue Onion, also known as Zwiebelmuster in German, is a porcelain tableware pattern for dishware. The iconic pattern was first designed in 1739 by Johann Gregor Herold for Meissen porcelain, inspired by a Chinese bowl from the Kangxi period. The design features a grouping of several floral motifs, with peonies and asters in the centre, and winding stems around a bamboo stalk. The so-called "onions" are actually mutations of peaches and pomegranates, which were unfamiliar fruits in Saxony, so the Meissen factory created their own style.

The original "bulb" pattern has been copied by many companies over the centuries, but Meissen continues to produce its Blue Onion range, which includes plates. Antique Meissen Blue Onion plates can be found on Etsy and other specialist websites. These plates are often sold in sets, ranging from pairs to sets of 12, and are described as "rare" and in "excellent condition". The plates are typically porcelain, hand-painted, and feature the iconic blue and white design, with some also including gold accents.

The Blue Onion pattern has been popular for almost 300 years and is still being painted by hand at the Meissen factory in Germany. The pattern is versatile and can be used for everyday or formal dining.

Blue Onion Dinnerware Pieces

Blue Onion is a porcelain tableware pattern for dishware, originally manufactured by Meissen porcelain in the 18th and 19th centuries. The pattern was designed by Johann Gregor Herold in 1739 and was likely inspired by a Chinese bowl from the Kangxi period. The design is a grouping of several floral motifs, with peonies and asters in the pattern's centre, and winding stems around a bamboo stalk. The so-called "onions" are not onions at all but are likely mutations of peaches and pomegranates, modelled on the original Chinese pattern.

• Meissen Blue Onion side/trinket dish crossed swords mark set of 2
• Royal China Bread Plate "Blue Onion"
• Blue Onion Zwiebelmuster Bohemia Teacup + Dish Sets
• Vintage Blue Onion Creamer and Sugar Set
• Corelle Blue Onion dinner, luncheon, dessert plates, saucer, mugs, sugar, creamer, etc.
• Vintage Corelle Old Town Blue, Blue Onion Dinnerware Pattern - Plates, Bowls, Cups & More
• Set of 12 antique Meissen Blue Onion 9 -1/2'' dinner plates

Blue Onion Replacements

The Blue Onion pattern, originally known as the "bulb" pattern, was designed by Johann Gregor Herold in 1739 and manufactured by Meissen porcelain in the 18th and 19th centuries. The design features a grouping of several floral motifs, with peonies and asters in the centre, and winding stems around a bamboo stalk. The so-called "onions" are not onions but are likely mutations of peaches and pomegranates, modelled on an original Chinese pattern.

Today, there are many replacement Blue Onion dinnerware pieces available, often sold individually or in small sets. Replacements can be found on Etsy and other second-hand websites, as well as from specialist china retailers.

Etsy, for example, offers a wide range of vintage Blue Onion dinnerware pieces, including plates, bowls, cups, saucers, creamers, and sugar bowls. Some of these items are sold individually, while others are sold in sets. For instance, a vintage Corelle Old Town Blue/Blue Onion Dinnerware set includes dinner plates, cups, and saucers, while another listing offers a set of eight Blue Onion creamer, coffee, tea, flour, salt, and pepper shakers.

Specialist china retailers also offer Blue Onion replacements. For example, Scully and Scully sells Meissen Blue Onion dinnerware, which one reviewer mentions having bought for their mother 30 years ago.

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