Spode blue and white earthenware is among the most collectible pottery in the world. In continuous production since 1816, Blue Italian is undoubtedly one of the all-time classic tableware patterns and was created shortly after Josiah Spode's perfection of blue under-glaze printing. The central scene is thought to be ruins in Italy and the elegant integration of the figures into the scene demonstrates the exceptional engraving techniques at Spode. Exquisitely framed by an 18th century Chinese border, the central scene of Italian ruins may have been inspired by a late-17th century pen and wash drawing. The unmatched artistry of the pattern still requires the most skilled hand engraving to create its remarkable sense of space and atmosphere. Introduced in the early 19th century, Blue Italian porcelain oven-to-tableware was immediately hailed as one of the very finest of its type. The baking dishes are oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher-safe. To this day, Blue Italian still originates from a hand engraved copper-plate using Josiah Spode's transfer printing method at his original factory site in Stoke-on-Trent, England. This time-honored tradition results in beautiful china of unsurpassed quality that is as fresh and distinctive as ever. Every piece is an affordable original destined to become a treasured heirloom for future generations.