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The Story of Blue Willow
If you have been antiquing for very long, it is a great possibility you have seen the Willow pattern in your shopping travels. Thomas Minton designed the pattern around 1790 and for more than 200 years, various manufacturers have used this beautiful, storied transferware pattern.
Born in 1765, Thomas Minton was an English potter. He founded Thomas Minton and Sons in Staffordshire, England which grew into a major international ceramic manufacturing company. Willow, commonly called Blue Willow, is an elaborate, picturesque pattern used on pottery, ceramic, and porcelain kitchenware, and is actually based on a story:
Long ago, a Chinese mandarin emperor, Tso Ling, lived under the branches of an apple tree on the right of a bridge in a majestic pagoda. Over this pagoda and bridge drooped the immortalized willow tree, in front of which is seen the graceful form of a fence. Tso Ling had a beautiful daughter, Kwang-se, who was the promised bride of an old, wealthy businessman.
The girl, however, fell in love with Chang, her father’s clerk, and the two eloped. The mandarin chased them in order to have them killed when suddenly, the gods transformed them into a pair of turtledoves that were able to fly away. These turtledoves are seen gazing into each other’s eyes at the top of each piece of Blue Willow pattern pottery.
Below are more samples for beautiful Blue Willow pieces:
Aimee owns EuroLuxHome.com with her husband and best friend, Greg. With over 20 years' experience in acquiring and selling French Antique Furniture, she is very knowledgeable about furniture styles and how they are influenced by historical events. Aimee has shipped antique furniture and antique furniture reproductions to all 50 States and over 50 foreign countries. Subscribe to this blog for articles about antique furniture construction methods, style trends and even repair tips. Check out our YouTube channel!
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Your blue willow pieces are very similar to my 6 dessert plates in that they have 3 pagodas and no border around the design. Mine have a blue stamp Made in Japan. Can you tell me if the pattern is old or new ?
Thank you
Jeanne
Thanks for your message. I am just aware of Blue Willow in general, but am not a specialist in the variety of patterns. I would just suggest contacting www.worthpoint.com for an appraisal of your pieces for more information.
Best wishes,
Aimee at EuroLuxHome.com