I have come to really appreciate blue willow ware. Something about the fresh blue and white with the whimsical scenes and fretwork, its just really truly beautiful. I am planning to start my own collection . I think it would be fun picking up different pieces over time!
The willow pattern or commonly known as "Blue Willow" is a distinctive and elaborate pattern used on pottery, ceramic, and porcelain. From my reading there are two people credited for the original design, I am not sure which is correct. Thomas Minton and Josiah Spode have both been credited in the design, and both around 1790. Can you believe it has been around for over 200 years and is still being produced?
No one knows the exact origin of the willow legend. They believe the design was derived from older chinese designs that were being brought over to England from China. If the legend came over from China as well or was just manufactered in England to go with the design, no one is quite sure.
Romantic legend... There was once a wealthy Mandarin, who had a beautiful daughter (Koong-Se). She had fallen in love with her father's humble assistant (Chang), angering her father (it was inappropriate due to the difference in social class). He dismissed the young man and and built a high fence around his house to keep the lovers apart.
The Mandarin was planning for his daughter to marry a powerful Duke. The Duke arrived by boat to claim his bride, bearing a box of jewels as a gift. The wedding was to take place on the day the blossom fell from the willow tree.
On the eve of the daughter's wedding to the Duke, the young assistant, disguised himself as a servant and slipped into the house. As the lovers escaped with the jewels, the alarm was raised. They ran over a bridge, chased by the Mandarin with whip in hand. They escaped on the Dukes boat to the safety of a secluded island, where they lived happily for a many years.
But one day, the Duke learned of their refuge. Hungary for revenge, he sent soldiers, who captured the lovers and put them to death. The Gods, moved by their plight, transformed the lovers into a pair of doves.
So... next time you take a look at the classic design, you can apperciate the romantic legend that goes along with it! There are many, many different manufacturers that have produced and still continue produce blue willow. So maybe next time you see a piece here or there you will be inspired to start your own collection.
The photo above is from the blog "absolutely beautiful things". It is not blue willow but it is none the less just as beautiful! Maybe I will begin collecting some ginger jars as well!
So... next time you take a look at the classic design, you can apperciate the romantic legend that goes along with it! There are many, many different manufacturers that have produced and still continue produce blue willow. So maybe next time you see a piece here or there you will be inspired to start your own collection.
The photo above is from the blog "absolutely beautiful things". It is not blue willow but it is none the less just as beautiful! Maybe I will begin collecting some ginger jars as well!
