Blue Willow Transferware

During the 18th century there was a wave of popularity of Chinese hand-painted chinoiserie. The many patterns of Chinese landscapes and scences made their way on hand panted wallpaper, chinoiserie furniture, and of course on the china. Themost famous transfer ware pattern was developed in the late 18th century by Thomas Minton of the Caughley Factory in Shropshire, England. His Blue Willow pattern combined Oriental images into a romantic scene that has been manufactured for over 220 years . The Spode factory produced the pattern in England in the late 1790s that turned to be popular in England, but also in America. It was found that Blue and white were the most popular colors for dishes in the 19th century from historical sites. In fact many people are avid collectors of the Blue Willow Pattern today. The Blue Willow pattern is not an exact copy of a Chinese pattern but features several traditional Chinese designs. The pattern has changed in variations over time but the basic elements are the temple or palace, a footbridge with three people, a boat with another figure, a willow tree, and the two birds.

What is the story behind the Blue Willow Pattern?

The pattern tells of two ill-fated Chinese lovers. The story has several variations, (as I am sure all stories this old)but the basic story line remains the same. A beautiful young girl from a prominent family falls in love with her father's clerk. They are prevented being married and so decide to elope. Her father pursues them , as some stories may say. In other versions, they are killed by fire. The story end with the fantasy fairytale of two lover transformed into love birds,which continue their love.

Blue Willow