BLUE is Our Lady’s colour,
White is Our Lord’s.
To-morrow I will wear a knot
Of blue and white cords,
That you may see it, where you ride
White is Our Lord’s.
To-morrow I will wear a knot
Of blue and white cords,
That you may see it, where you ride
Among the flashing swords.
O banner, white and sunny blue,
With prayer I wove thee!
For love the white, for faith the heavenly hue,
And both for him, so tender-true,
Him that doth love me!
- Mary Elizabeth Coleridge
But whence the inspiration for blue and white? Perhaps nature itself, in the sight of sea and sky, bluebells against a late snow, or blooming lotus in a dim courtyard pool. It is a match made by, and inspired by, heaven. The beautiful combination of blue and white in porcelain likely began in Iran, and gradually made its way to China, where production reached its height in the 14th century. In Europe, chinoiserie blue and white in turn inspired pottery makers in Italy (Medici porcelain), Delftware in Holland, and the famous English patterns, Blue Willow, and later, Wedgwood's Jasperware.
This month's gorgeous Veranda magazine (kudos to new editor Dara Caponigo!), featured this lovely room by Carolyne Roehm. And it inspired me to go on a little tour of my favorite porcelain inspired rooms. Come along!
Aerin Lauder's home in Elle Decor.
Kelly Wearstler
Kenneth Alpert
Kelly Wearstler's Imperial Trellis pattern covers the wall and chair.
Mary McDonald
House Beautiful
Brad Boles, Traditional Home
SHOP IT OUT!
/1. Emilia Ceramics/ 2. Quadrille Birds II/ 3. Crane's Stationary/ 4. Jonathan Adler Zebra Rug/ 5. Annechovie Chair Print/ 6. Emilia Ceramics/ 7. Z Gallerie China/ 8. Tiffany's Box/ 9. Lilly Pulitzer Bag/ 10. West Lake Royal Duvet/
/Images not attributed above/ Blue bamboo chair room/ Wearstler 1/ Wearstler 2/ Lauder/ Mary Macdonald/ Papered bathroom/Fabulous bedroom with chinoiserie walls and matching pillows - unknown. If you know, please leave the designer's name in comments!/
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