From its roots as a 19th-century English tableware trend to its global reach today, this iconic pattern has captivated generations of fans with its intricate designs, symbolic details, and timeless charm. Read on to learn all about Blue Willow china.
Learn all about one of the world's favorite china patterns in this guide to collecting vintage blue willow china.
'Two birds flying high, A Chinese vessel, sailing by. A bridge with three men, sometimes four, A willow tree, hanging o'er. A Chinese temple, there it stands, Built upon the river sands. An apple tree, with apples on, A crooked fence to end my song.' No one knows the origin of this classic English children's rhyme - even today, many people have never heard the popular story of the willow pattern. The legend says it was told in China more than a thousand years ago and brought over to England from Eastern lands by the Crusaders. It tells of Knoon-shee, a lovely Chinese maiden, whose affections were bestowed upon her father's secretary, Chang, but who was commanded by her parents to wed a wealthy rival suitor. She refused to comply with their wishes, whereupon her enraged father locked her up in the little house just visible on the left of the temple. From here she contrived to send a message to her lover, 'Gather thy blossom, ere it be stolen.' Thus encouraged, Chang succeeded in entering the apple orchard and carrying off his beloved. So we see them hurrying over the bridge. Knoon-shee with a distaff, and Chang carrying her box of jewels, while the angry father follows hard after them armed with a whip - in some patterns also accompanied by the discarded lover. The couple made good their escape in the 'Chinese ship sailing by' and landed on the island, which can be seen on the left of the picture, where they took refuge in the little wooden house. But the father and discarded suitor tracked them and set fire to the house while they were sleeping; and so the lovers perished. Next morning, from the ashes rose their spirits, in the forms of two doves. And so we see them with out-stretched wings flying off to the realms of eternal happiness.
China with it's patterns can be most beguiling. No pattern could be more so than Blue Willow. The legend was created to promote the sales of Minton's original china pattern. There are several versions of the legend that have circulated, but this is my favorite. This china pattern has clearly stood the test of time, most likely due to it's fantastic marketing with this romantic story. The Willow Legend There was once a Mandarin who had a beautiful daughter, Koong-se. He employed a secretary, Chang who, while he was attending to his master's accounts, fell in love with Koong-se, much to the anger of the Mandarin, who regarded the secretary as unworthy of his daughter. The secretary was banished and a fence constructed around the gardens of the Mandarin's estate so that Chang could not see his daughter and Koong-se could only walk in the gardens and to the water's edge. One day a shell fitted with sails containing a poem, and a bead which Koong-se had given to Chang, floated to the water's edge. Koong-se knew that her lover was not far away. She was soon dismayed to learn that she had been betrothed to Ta-jin, a noble warrior Duke. She was full of despair when it was announced that her future husband, the noble Duke, was arriving, bearing a gift of jewels to celebrate his betrothal. However, after the banquet, borrowing the robes of a servant, Chang passed through the guests unseen and came to Koong-se's room. They embraced and vowed to run away together. The Mandarin, the Duke, the guests, and all the servants had drunk so much wine that the couple almost got away without detection, but Koong-se's father saw her at the last minute and gave chase across the bridge. The couple escaped and stayed with the maid that Koong-se's father had dismissed for conspiring with the lovers. Koong-se had given the casket of jewels to Chang and the Mandarin, who was also a magistrate, swore that he would use the jewels as a pretext to execute Chang when he caught him. One night the Mandarin's spies reported that a man was hiding in a house by the river and the Mandarin's guards raided the house. But Chang had jumped into the ragging torrent and Koong-se thought that he had drowned. Some days later the guards returned to search the house again. While Koong-se's maid talked to them, Chang came by boat to the window and took Koong-se away to safety. They settled on a distant island, and over the years Chang became famous for his writings. This was to prove his undoing. The Mandarin heard about him and sent guards to destroy him. Chang was put to the sword and Koong-se set fire to the house while she was still inside. Thus they both perished and the gods, touched by their love, immortalized them as two doves, eternally flying together in the sky. Source: International Willow Collectors Not a happy story, but romantic nonetheless. Sherry I will link this to: Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage A Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life Tea Cup Tuesday at Martha's Favorites Tuesday Cuppa Tea at Antiques and Teacups Friends Sharing Tea at Bernideen's Tea Time Blog Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage Your Going to Love it Tuesday At Kathe with an E The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict Totally Terrific Tuesday at Live Randomly Simple Project Inspire at An Extraordinary Day Do Tell Tuesday at Maybe She Made It Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House Share your Style Thursday at Common Ground Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings-The Heart of the Home What to Do Weekends at Shoestring Elegance Idea Box Thursday at Mila's Little Things
Churchill's famous "Blue Willow" love story pattern handmade four tier cake stand made of vintage large sized plates of bestselling china pattern of all times for more impressive look and bigger capacity as new edition to already existing and best selling three tier cake stand design. Big advantage of this particular cake stand is that it could be easily converted into three tier cake stand by simply omitting one tier, depending on the occasion it's required for. Blue Willow china originated in England. Even though the Blue Willow pattern has a Chinese look and story, it was actually created in England in 1780 by engraver Thomas Minton. Then, Minton sold the design to potter Thomas Turner who mass-produced the pattern on earthenware. He was then followed by Royal Worcester, Spode, Adams, Wedgwood, the whole gang (Burgess and Leigh’s modern Willow has been in continuous production since 1922). This old poem "Far away within the East" tells you an old legend's BLUE WILLOW LOVE STORY in the poetic way: Far away within the East, A monarch kept his state. And near him, just across the bridge, There lived a prince (see plate). The monarch had a daughter fair. The prince in love was he. "No, no, good man," the monarch said, "My daughter stays with me." Across the bridge the lovers fled. The king pursued irate. They hied them to a little boat, And sailed away (see plate). Alas the stormy winds did blow As cruel as cruel could be. They dashed the boat upon the rocks, and drowned them in the sea. But changed to bird by fairies kind Their spirits rose elate. And even now about the king They hover still (see plate). This is just a legend's, historical romantic background, which makes this china pattern the most loved among others and for that reason I can see it as a perfect gift choice for romantic occasions as Valentine's Day, engagement, wedding, anniversary, anything, actually to declare your own LOVE... You have to keep in mind that symbol of the willow tree itself has got a great deep meaning also. Green, like the leaves on the branches, symbolizes nature, fertility, and life. It also represents balance, learning, growth, and harmony. Our image of the willow tree represents the strength, stability, and structure of the trunk, standing firm and withstanding the greatest of challenges. Churchill "Blue Willow" three-tier handmade cake stand using vintage best quality branded English made finest examples of porcelain and bone china to bring chic, class and exquisite style to your dining table, tea party, wedding (any casual or special occasion really) to impress your friends, family and guests. This item is a huge part and reflects very wide range of special, exquisite, posh, seductive, high quality, well-known and respected brands and finest examples of well-know for its long history and highest quality English bone china and porcelain makers with added towards customer's needs personal touch of handmade, personalised, made-to-order items. As this particular "Blue Willow" pattern is quite popular and in great demand and plates come in different sizes and some customers require larger capacity cake stand, this listing is made to cater for that purpose: difference to already existing and best selling design are the plates sizes of middle and top tiers. Smaller design's link is here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/230569018/churchill-blue-willow-handmade-cake?ref=shop_home_listings Refer to plate sizer difference below. Another design of the same "Blue Willow" pattern four tier cake stand - "Mad Hatter" style with added "Blue Willow" pattern decorated cup and saucer as a top tier is listed here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/517105743/royal-norfolk-famous-lavender-blue?ref=shop_home_active_11 Nearly one year on after making this listing, have a look at my entire collection of handmade cake stands so far, which makes the whole section of my shop "Handmade cake stands" via this link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PoshandSeductive?section_id=17139573&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3 My intentions as a craftsman and great admirer of old English tradition of "afternoon tea", "cream tea", "nice cup of tea" in real style is to reintroduce back amazing tradition, which has been followed in Old Britain for centuries, but experiencing a bit of decline because of more comfortable "fast food", "plastic cup", "tea bag culture". There are some very important issues, caused by this "invasion" and the most important one is the environmental issue. I am big supporter of "green living", reducing CO2 footprint supporter and try to do my bit, whenever I can to save our planet Earth. That is my philosophy of living and I am passionate to find more supporters and spread the idea among as many people as possible. Closer to this particular cake stand. Pattern of plates, used to make it, is very famous and well loved. It's the reason behind the idea of many pottery and bone china makers were and continue using it these days. It's classic, it's sleek, it's clean and rich, and loved by many and list of advantages could carry on for pages. Measurements as follow: Bottom tier (large dinner plate) - 10" (about 26 cm) in diameter; Second tier (slightly smaller dinner plate) - 9 1/4" (about 25 cm) in diameter; Middle tier (middle sized luncheon plate) - 8 3/4" (22.5 cm) in diameter; Top tier (cake plate/bread&butter plate), which in other listing makes middle tier is 6 3/4" (just over 17 cm); Total weight of the entire cake stand (without any packaging) is 2 kg and it's just over 45 cm high. By saying that and introducing it to my shop, I am always willing to make customised items towards your requests, using colours, plates, to match your existing patterns of table and dining ware, if they are still available to get and we are not short of time. I make my research and try to fit any budgets, but quality is always my paramount: it looks good, it lasts, it impresses, but on the other hand it is costly. So that is the point where mutual understanding has to be met and appreciated. I have great selection and choice of quality china to carry on my work. With certain samples of my work I will share links, where you can check pricing on vintage quality dining wear I use to make my items: it varies from £15-25 for dinner plate used as a bottom of the cake stand to £4-10 for tea saucer used for top tier of the stand. I am willing to listen to your suggestion, as always and answer all your questions, regarding this listing and any question about my work in general and possible future customised orders. Refer to images and Shop Policies section for additional information. Like it, share it, pin it, comment on my items, which is always highly appreciated. Thank you for stopping by.
3 Beautiful Blue Willow Cups and Saucers. Made in England. Broadhurst. English Ironstone. Lovely to use or display. Very good clean vintage condition. No damage or wear. See photos. Will be carefully packaged and sent small parcel Please take a look at my other vintage and handmade items. Link below. Follow me as more added each week. I am happy to combine postage for multiple purchases. Just message me https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyHyacinthVintage More Blue Willow may still be available As much as possible packaging will be reused and recycled for environmental reasons Posting out Monday and Friday Thank you
China with it's patterns can be most beguiling. No pattern could be more so than Blue Willow. The legend was created to promote the sales of Minton's original china pattern. There are several versions of the legend that have circulated, but this is my favorite. This china pattern has clearly stood the test of time, most likely due to it's fantastic marketing with this romantic story. The Willow Legend There was once a Mandarin who had a beautiful daughter, Koong-se. He employed a secretary, Chang who, while he was attending to his master's accounts, fell in love with Koong-se, much to the anger of the Mandarin, who regarded the secretary as unworthy of his daughter. The secretary was banished and a fence constructed around the gardens of the Mandarin's estate so that Chang could not see his daughter and Koong-se could only walk in the gardens and to the water's edge. One day a shell fitted with sails containing a poem, and a bead which Koong-se had given to Chang, floated to the water's edge. Koong-se knew that her lover was not far away. She was soon dismayed to learn that she had been betrothed to Ta-jin, a noble warrior Duke. She was full of despair when it was announced that her future husband, the noble Duke, was arriving, bearing a gift of jewels to celebrate his betrothal. However, after the banquet, borrowing the robes of a servant, Chang passed through the guests unseen and came to Koong-se's room. They embraced and vowed to run away together. The Mandarin, the Duke, the guests, and all the servants had drunk so much wine that the couple almost got away without detection, but Koong-se's father saw her at the last minute and gave chase across the bridge. The couple escaped and stayed with the maid that Koong-se's father had dismissed for conspiring with the lovers. Koong-se had given the casket of jewels to Chang and the Mandarin, who was also a magistrate, swore that he would use the jewels as a pretext to execute Chang when he caught him. One night the Mandarin's spies reported that a man was hiding in a house by the river and the Mandarin's guards raided the house. But Chang had jumped into the ragging torrent and Koong-se thought that he had drowned. Some days later the guards returned to search the house again. While Koong-se's maid talked to them, Chang came by boat to the window and took Koong-se away to safety. They settled on a distant island, and over the years Chang became famous for his writings. This was to prove his undoing. The Mandarin heard about him and sent guards to destroy him. Chang was put to the sword and Koong-se set fire to the house while she was still inside. Thus they both perished and the gods, touched by their love, immortalized them as two doves, eternally flying together in the sky. Source: International Willow Collectors Not a happy story, but romantic nonetheless. Sherry I will link this to: Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage A Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life Tea Cup Tuesday at Martha's Favorites Tuesday Cuppa Tea at Antiques and Teacups Friends Sharing Tea at Bernideen's Tea Time Blog Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage Your Going to Love it Tuesday At Kathe with an E The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict Totally Terrific Tuesday at Live Randomly Simple Project Inspire at An Extraordinary Day Do Tell Tuesday at Maybe She Made It Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House Share your Style Thursday at Common Ground Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings-The Heart of the Home What to Do Weekends at Shoestring Elegance Idea Box Thursday at Mila's Little Things
Arkansas Bride presents Cabbage Rose Florist of Little Rock who took our challenge to create an amazing tablescape.
Royal Doulton Booths Real Old Willow The Majestic Collection trio: demitasse cup saucer cake plate, Blue Willow china pattern lover gift set is a well sought after china pattern set and there are several set available as well as some other pieces of this pattern, which are going to be listed shortly. Measurements are: teacup is 2.5"x3.5" saucer is 5.75" desert, cake plate or bread and butter plate is 7 3/8" in diameter. All pieces are in mint condition so it's vintage as N E W indeed. I've also added matching handmade cake stand of the same pattern to my shop. You are welcomed to have a look via this link: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/775700447/tiered-cake-stand-royal-doulton-booths?ref=shop_home_active_1 If order multiple items from my shop, please contact me before paying with your postcode, so I could get more accurate quote, which might be cheaper for your own benefit. Blue Willow china pattern is the best selling china pattern of all times and my shop has got various items by different English pottery makers dedicated to this iconic beautiful pattern. Cake stands made of Blue Willow pattern china are the constand feature of my shop and are best selling popular cake stands. If you require other items in the same pattern, contact me via Messaging Service, please. If ordering more than one item it's a better suggestion to contact me prior to ordering so I can work out the best P&P option for multiple items.
Blue Willow Chinoiserie Canvas Wall Art The vivid colors and beautiful details of this Blue Willow Chinoiserie canvas will make it the focal point in any room. Our professional grade HP Latex Inks resist fading, water, and solvent free. Our premium canvas is stretched over a 3/4 inch thick wooden frame on which we then attach industrial strength staples for a tight fit that will last. Semi-Gloss finish with beveled stretcher beams create an edge less effect and looks more like it is floating off your wall. All canvas prints are wrapped and shipped in fitted packaging Ready To Hang - Mounting hardware comes attached. Leveling Bumpers Included - For wall protection. Semi-Gloss Print - Increased vibrancy of artwork. Beveled Wood Stretch Bars - Make frame less noticeable on front of canvas. Industrial Strength Staples - Ensure a tight fit that is sure to last. We enjoy creating new designs for you and we add them daily. Please check out our homepage for all the categories on the left here: https://etsy.me/3Bf62FM
Our Willow is a nostalgic indulgence, recalling Beata’s memories of childhood trips to the seaside and cups of tea on rainy summer days. Our oversized version of this classic pattern is screen printed on a linen cotton. It works particularly well as drapery and makes for a beautiful fabric walling. It is also suitable for occasional upholstery. The Willow pattern was first produced on ceramic plates in Stoke on Trent in the late 1700s. A story of the depicted scene was created as a marketing ploy of a beautiful daughter who fell in love with her father's modest accounting assistant. The couple escaped together, taking precious jewels with them, only to be found by the Duke she was meant to marry some years later. The lovers were captured and killed and then turned into a pair of doves by the Gods. Our Ink colour way has been made to resemble the original transferware plates from the 18th century which were dark and inky. Willow also comes in Plum, Tree and Pollen.Priced per linear metre. Composition 55% Linen, 45% Cotton. Dimensions Full width: 140cm. Usable width: 137cm. Vertical repeat: 48cm. Horizontal repeat: 34.5cm half drop. Priced per linear metre. Lead Time In stock. Spec Sheet Download Spec Sheet Additional Information All our fabrics have passed the Cigarette FR test, but for upholstery need to be used in combination with a suitable FR interliner or backing to meet relevant FR standards.
The Legend of the Blue Willow China is the story about 2 "Love Doves" Koong and Chang.... This pattern was produced in England in the 1700's but probably was copied from a Chinese pattern. The legend about the china began around 1849 when it was printed in an English magazine as a very romantic story about a young couple. A wealthy young woman named Koong fell in love with Chang who was just a poor secretary. She was forbidden to marry him or even see him. Her father demanded she stay at home and quickly made arrangements for her to marry a man of financial security. Escaping from her home, she met up with Chang and the couple fled across a bridge to an island. In hot pursuit, Koong's father follows but suddenly the couple are transformed into love doves who fly away to safety. No wonder we love this pattern so much - maybe your mother had it? Reposted from 2009!
RU Knitting Blue Willow socks.
I have seen these oval planters in magazine for years. I keep pinning them on Pinterest. Now I’ve decided to look for one. Blue and White Oval Flower Planters on Amazon > Blue and White Ov…
Style: Adult Flip Flops, Slim Straps The beach is calling, and these flips flops are your answer! Pay ode to the summer and free your toes. Live, work and play with your feet exposed. Life really is a beach. Thong style, easy slip-on design Choose between 2 different footbeds and 4 different strap colors Similar to Havaianas® 100% rubber makes sandals both heavyweight and durable Cushioned footbed with textured rice pattern provides all day comfort Made in Brazil and printed in the USA
Churchill Blue Willow Plates Bowls Cups 20 Piece Dinner Set, Made In England
After we were married, I spied a set of blue and white willow ware at an antique store and I fell in love. I had seen the pattern before, but when I heard the story behind the pattern, it became v…
I wrote a lame title for this post and I just couldn’t bring myself to use it but it’s dorky enough that it seemed a shame not to share. Ready? Vintage Junk Rocks! Random junk photo taken on the same day as the other photos in this post... Ok, I’ve probably written worse but if you knew how much over-thinking I put into things, you’d understand why I consider that kind of cringe-worthy and once/if you read this post (unless that last sentence was enough to make you turn off your computer or put down your phone or abandon your tablet and leave the area) you’ll understand how lacking-in-subtlety (yet easy) that title would have been. For me. Did I mention the over-thinking? Good. So. Ditto on this photo. There’s been a series of totally random yet very delightful emails showing up around The Land of Into Vintage lately and here’s one example: Hello, I was wondering if you would be interested in letting us use the attached photo on an album cover for a small up and coming band called Surviving Allison. It will be used in good taste, and we would give you full credit for the photo on the album. What?! You may recall a post from back in the olden days when I took myself out for some birthday junking and snapped these photos while in an antique mall in Astoria, OR (Hi there, Phog Bounders Antique Mall). Then that random-yet-delightful email arrived and before I responded, mad googling commenced in order to check out the band, Surviving Allison. I just wanted to make sure they don't sacrifice unicorns or anything like that. They don't. And so my response to the email was a big, ol’ YES. Days later, this appeared in my inbox. The designer told me each object with a sales tag represents a member of the band. No words except maybe “Vintage junk rocks!” Click here to go to Surviving Allison's website. Or follow them on Instagram here. ------------------------------------ P.S. a HUMONGOUS thank you to everyone who took the time to wish my dear Auntie a happy birthday on my previous post. You are the best. xo
Ramblings about knitting, yarn, and other stuff. Mostly it's about yarn. And knitting.
10’ in. Blue and white chinoiserie taper candles. Diameter approximately 2 cm. Matching napkins available separately Candles that were purchased May 14th, 2024 onwards are safe to burn. Candle purchased prior to that date are decorative only. Check out other items in my shop similar to this one! *Bulk orders available with longer processing time
