Blue and white china willow pattern
Blue Willow china made in England was one of the most popular and identifiable design elements of blue and white china produced during the 18th and 19th century in the Staffordshire potteries.
The Old willow Pattern is based on the Chinese fable of an eloping couple transforming into doves became of one the most identifiable design elements of 18th 19th and 20th century blue and white earthenware and porcelain china. The design is first seem in 1780 introduced by Minton and inspired by earlier Chinese designs.
The Willow Pattern was produced by multiple factories, all with subtle variations, both in the design panel, but also in the border or rim sections of the design. With such and extended period of production, both plate shapes and the transfer design can also vary within a brand or factory, making matching exactly, a difficult art.
What is the difference between Old Willow, The Olde Willow and Willow pattern ? well in truth not a lot, they are simply manufacturers attempts to stand out as distinct product offerings in a competitive market.
Blue Willow pattern china continues to be produced today and its enduring popularity is perhaps not in small part due to it's ability to mix and match so well, making it a practical and inexpensive choice for a blue and white china collection.
Although willow is synonymous with blue and white china, it was also produced in pink green and brown transfer ware, but in much smaller quantities, which are now rare. Blue proved the most popular and enduring colour.