Blue Willow China

Blue willow porcelain refers to a distinct and ornate blue-and-white pattern seen on ceramic kitchen and housewares. First designed in 18th century England by Thomas Minton, it quickly became popular and has been used frequently since then. The design was inspired by the porcelain imported from China at the time.

When the East India Company halted its transportation of Chinese porcelain into London, the blue willow pattern satisfied the need for Chinese landscape patterns in England. Around 1790, the Spode factory created the first standard blue willow pattern on pearlware. Because these houseware sets were not imported from China, they were much less costly, and as a result, available to the middle classes.

Several stories were fabricated in order to promote the sale of the blue willow pattern when first created. The most well known of these stories involved two Mandarin star-crossed lovers who were transformed into a pair of doves upon their deaths and depicted in the design of the pattern. The blue willow pattern continues to be recognized by even novice porcelain collectors and used by countless porcelain manufacturers.

Quick Facts

• The blue willow pattern requires a specific treatment, either applied transfer or stamp known as transferware, which uses transfer printing
• Prior to the halt of trading with The East India Company, "Chinamen" in London would purchase porcelain from China at auction, then sell it to their wealthiest customers
• The original blue willow pattern did not have apple trees or doves