Chintz no longer escapes America's fascination with British china and porcelain. This "all-over floral" table china is now fervently sought after by a growing group of collectors. Although chintz is actually an earthenware, prices often exceed Shelley and Spode.

Like the flowered fabric, chintz china is readily identifiable by its vivid floral patterns, dainty detailing, and delicate appearance. The manufacturer and pattern name or number is clearly marked on most pieces.

Royal Winton, James Kent, Lord Nelson and Crown Ducal, all from the Stoke-on-Trent region of England produced over 120 known patterns from the late 1920s to the '60s. Known pattern names were of flowers: Pansy, Morning Glory, Peony; women's names: Julia, Hazel, Rosalynde; and climate: Summertime, Spring, and Sunshine.

The brightly colored intricate designs were transferred from lithographs to china pieces. The delicate work of cutting, sizing, and placing the transfers were performed by women called 'transferers'. After the transfers were applied the pieces were fired.

The transfers were applied to virtually all pieces of tableware china: teapots, place settings, toast racks, vases and cake plates.

Chintz is becoming rare. However, because of its humble dime-store origins, it might be found almost anywhere. Prices are not humble, however. [This article was written c.1994, "pre-Martha", and while prices skyrocketed in the late '90s, they have fallen somewhat.]

Much of Eberle's research was the subject of a two page article in the Sacramento Bee (9/29/94). Her findings are further detailed in the club's quarterly newsletter.

Last month, Eberle returned from a research trip to the Stoke-on-Trent region of England. There she was surprised to discover examples of both Wedgwood and Royal Doulton chintz. Other findings will be the subject of the Club's January [1994] newsletter.

Eberle describes the market for chintz in England as "pretty pricey." She found great variety and availability, but her $3,000 in purchases "didn't buy much."

"Canada is a good place to buy chintz because of the favorable exchange rate." Eberle also mentioned several Star Center Mall dealers including Yvonne Saunders, sp. 32, who specializes in floral china (among other things) and is a member of the Chintz Collector's Club.

Eberle suggests that one of the best ways to acquire chintz is through the Chintz Collector Club, which has over 200 members in the US, Canada, and the UK. Annual membership is $20.00. Inquiries should be posted to Chintz Collector, PO Box 612, Folsom, CA 95763. by John Regan