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What is the story behind the Blue Willow china?

What is the story behind the Blue Willow china?

The Legend of the Blue Willow Tso Ling was the father of a beautiful girl, Kwang-se, who was the promised bride of an old but wealthy merchant. The girl, however, fell in love with Chang, her father’s clerk. The lovers eloped across the sea to the cottage on the island.

How old is the Blue Willow pattern?

The original Willow pattern was created in 1780 when British potter Thomas Turner and engraver Thomas Minton combined a number of popular Chinese pottery patterns. By the early 19th Century, more than 200 potteries were producing variations of the design.

What do you need to know about blue willow china?

To be a true Blue Willow pattern it must include: Chinese pine trees (commonly confused as apple or orange trees) two birds in flight. However, there are thousands of tiny variations. For example, Japanese versions typically have plumper birds than early English patterns. 4. Blue Willow china is an early example of transferware

Who was the creator of the Blue Willow Pattern?

Blue Willow Pattern. It was designed by Thomas Turner and engraved by Thomas Minton in 1780. Minton was apprenticed to Spode and the design was introduced into Staffordshire in 1784. It was soon personalized and released by Adams, Wedgwood, and other manufacturers of fine china. This pattern has been in constant use for over 200 years.

Why was blue willow used as transferware?

Blue Willow is often cited as one of the first “transferware” prints. Transfer prints started with engravers who etched the pattern into a copper plate that was printed onto porcelain, china or earthenware. Later the pattern was transferred onto paper making it easier to cheaply mass produce. 5. The story behind the pattern isn’t real

Where did the Blue Willow plates come from?

In fact, the term “Blue Plate Special” comes from the Blue Willow plates commonly used in restaurants and diners back in the 1920s thru the 1950s. Now you can bring this iconic pattern to your table with this exquisite ironstone serveware from Churchill China of England.