The Mystery of the Red Glaze: A Guide to Royal Doulton Flambé

Of all the achievements in the history of the Royal Doulton Potteries, none is more striking or mysterious than the Flambé range. With its fiery crimson hues and dark, smoky streaks, Flambé isn't just porcelain—it’s a feat of chemistry and art that remains one of the most collected categories at BuyHummels.com.

The Secret of the "Blood Red" Finish

Introduced in 1904 at the St. Louis Exhibition, Royal Doulton Flambé was the result of years of experimentation by Bernard Moore and Cuthbert Bailey. They were trying to recreate the "Sang de Boeuf" (Oxblood) glaze of the Chinese Ming Dynasty.

The secret lies in the use of copper oxide and a "reduction" firing process in the kiln, where oxygen is restricted at just the right moment. This turns the glaze a brilliant red. Because the process was so volatile, no two pieces ever came out exactly the same, making every Flambé animal, vase, or figurine a unique work of art.

Identifying the Different Flambé Styles

When you are browsing our collection, you will notice that not all "red" pieces are alike. There are three main styles to look for:

  1. Standard Flambé: A solid, deep red often used on animals (like the famous Flambé foxes, elephants, and cats).

  2. Veined Flambé: This features dark, marble-like veins running through the red. It is highly prized for its dramatic, organic look.

  3. Sung & Chang Glazes: These are the "elite" versions of Flambé. Sung pieces often feature painted landscapes or birds underneath the red glaze, while Chang pieces have thick, lava-like crusts of white and colorful glaze flowing over the red.

How to Identify Authentic Flambé

Authenticating these pieces is straightforward once you know what to look for on the base:

  • The Backstamp: Most pieces will have the standard Royal Doulton lion and crown logo, but with the words "Royal Doulton Flambé" printed in black or gold.

  • The Artist’s Initials: On high-value "Sung" or "Chang" pieces, you will often find the initials of the master painters, such as Noke (Charles Noke) or Nixon (Harry Nixon).

  • The Texture: Genuine Flambé should feel incredibly smooth and glass-like. If the red looks "painted on" or feels rough, it may not be a true Doulton reduction glaze.

Why Collectors Love Flambé

Because the production of Flambé was expensive and technically difficult, it was produced in much smaller quantities than the standard "Pretty Ladies" figurines. Today, these pieces are the "statement makers" of a collection. Whether it is a small woodcut vase or a large prowling tiger, the vibrant red adds a pop of sophisticated color that porcelain simply cannot replicate.

Caring for Your Flambé

To keep that "fire" alive, never use abrasive cleaners. A simple dusting with a microfiber cloth is best. Because the glaze is lead-based and fired at high temperatures, it is remarkably durable, but it should be kept out of direct, harsh sunlight to protect the subtle transitions in the red tones.

Continue Your Discovery of Royal Doulton

The fiery red of Flambé is just one chapter in the Royal Doulton story. To learn more about identifying and dating your collection, visit our other guides:

Looking for a statement piece for your display? Explore our rare Royal Doulton Flambé inventory here.

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