**The following is information from the Blue Danube WebSite **
"Blue Danube was inspired by designs from the Chinese Yuan Dynasty period (1260-1368 A.D.). The flowers depict the ancient Chinese symbols of good fortune, luck and happiness. The original design has been in production for more than 200 years. The unique and sought after patterns have helped the Blue Danube China line blossom into the most complete dinnerware pattern currently sold in the United States with over one hundred items available.
Dating Blue Danube china:
The original backstamp was used from 1951-1976. This has the words Blue Danube in script on a ribbon banner with the words Reg. US. Pat. Off. underneath. This is the backstamp found on the items I am selling.
The Rectangular Backstamp dates from 1977-1996. By using different backstamps the company states that it “provides the Blue Danube collectors a dating method adding value to the older pieces.”
The latest stamp has script words Blue Danube and a swirl decorative line “frame” around them. They also had a commemorative one for their 50th anniversary 1951-2001 pieces.
Strong and durable – made tolast:
Blue Danube China is unique in that it is underglazed and fired at extremely high temperatures (over2600 degrees). This special process makes each piece microwave and dishwasher safe, detergent-proof and highly resistant to chips. Some pieces can even be used in the oven at temperatures up to 500 degrees. (They include the AuGratin, Souffle Dish, Pie Dish, 6” Casserole, 1 Qt. & 1 ½ Qt Casserole,& the 1 ½ Qt Oval Casserole.)
History of the Company
A Blue Danube porcelain dinnerware was made exclusively for distribution by Lipper International Inc. of New York. Lipper started business in 1946 as Lipper& Mann, importers of glass and ceramics. The company bought items from Europe and sold them to department, jewelry and home furnishing stores. In1947, it started selling tableware items imported from Japan. The Blue Danube pattern was designed for them in 1951.
This particular variation of the pattern is attributed to Johann Joachim Kandler (1706-1775), a German ceramicist. Originally created in 1951, the patent for this design was held by Lipper International (formerly Lipper and Mann) who imported it from Japan and distributed it throughout the United States, Canada, Central America and parts of Europe.
This Blue Danube pattern was manufactured for 59 years by the Blue Danube China company, based in Japan. Porcelain pieces were made in Japan with dark blue flowers on white ground, copied from Meissen’s Onion pattern. In 1963,the name was changed to Lipper International, Inc. In 2004, Portmeirion USA took over distribution of Blue Danube dinnerware and giftware
It is possible that the name “Blue Danube” may be an ode to Europe’s second largest river over which many of the merchants importing these china and designs may have traversed. Well known for its pristine beauty and awesome majesty, the Danube has inspired poets, artists, musicians and common folk for millennia.
Blue Danube china production was discontinued in 2010 but replacement pieces are still available. The largest source for Blue Danube is Replacements Unlimited. Since they set the standard for pricing and availability, I have provided their price for reference. I am offering my items at a lower price. I need to sell off my collection due to financial needs. Grab them while you can!
SamplePrices of pieces:
These are estate pieces of Blue Danube pattern china. Pieces currently for sale on Replacements Unlimited. As quickly as I can, I will be listing these items for sale on eBay. Please check my site for new listings.
1. Jam/Jelly jar & Lid with underplate $59 w/o plate is $29
2. Sugar Bowl & Lid $49
3. Creamer $29
4. Teapot & lid 6 inch $149
5. Coffee Pot & Lid 8 3/8” $89
6. Large Shell shaped dish 9 7/8” $79
7. Round Covered Butter dish 7 ¾” $99.95
8. Pitcher 48 oz. 7 5/8” $299
9. Candy Jar (no lid) 7 3/4:” $44.99
10. 14” Oblong Wood Cheese wit Glass Dome &Tile 14” $79.95
11. Wood Party Server Cheese with Tile 11 1/8” #35.99
12. Candle Holder with round thumb loop 2 ½” $29.99
13. Vase 9” $79
14. Bell 6” $23.99
15. Sweet Meat Dish with perforated sides, 2 loops on each end 7 ½” $59.99
16. Chinese Soup Spoon 5 ¼” $9.99