What is Royal Winton chintz ware?

Royal Winton chintz ware is a style of pottery decorated with colourful floral patterns that cover most of the ceramic surface. Royal Winton became one of the leading producers of chintz ceramics during the first half of the 20th century. The word "chintz" originally referred to printed cotton fabrics decorated with flowers and foliage and pottery manufacturers later adapted the look for ceramics. Royal Winton helped popularise the style by producing brightly coloured tea sets, plates, bowls and serving pieces featuring dense floral designs. Production of chintz ware reached its peak during the 1920s and 1930s, where homes of the period often featured floral furnishings, wallpaper and textiles, making chintz pottery a natural fit for contemporary tastes. Royal Winton introduced dozens of patterns, some were produced for only a short period, which has made surviving examples harder to find today. Patterns such as Julia, Summertime and Sweet Pea remain especially sought after. Many original pieces display rich colours created through transfer printing and glazing techniques, the glossy finish became one of the trademarks of Royal Winton chintz.