Although the pattern of Blue Willow is attributed to a Chinese legend, what we know continues to be in question, a romantic love story at its root.
While most of us recognize Blue Willow on sight (it is claimed to be the most collected china pattern ever made), few of us are aware of the star-crossed lovers that the Willow pattern illustrates. Deviations in its story line continue to digress.
The Willow Pattern Story
Once upon a time there lived a very wealthy man who had a beautiful daughter named Hong Shee. Hong Shee fell in love with her father's secretary (or butler, as some would say), a man named Chang. To keep them apart, the man imprisoned his daughter in the palace.
One day she managed to escape and met with her lover. Racing over the bridge, they jumped into a waiting boat and left her father in hot pursuit. The boat foundered in a storm at sea and the couple was drowned. It is said that two love birds appeared immediately thereafter - the spirits of Hong Shee and Chang.
Another retold variation on the legend has Hong Shee's father looking for her after her escape. When he finds the couple in hiding, he sends his army to kill them. Upon their death, the souls of the star-crossed lovers are transformed (or reincarnated) into a pair of immortal lovebirds that live together forever.
Spode Blue Willow
Details of the Willow pattern and its history can be found in Spode's Willow Pattern and Other Designs After the Chinese by Robert Copeland, who also wrote an article for the Antique Collector called, "Josiah Spode and the Origins of the Wilow Pattern".
Some experts believe the Willow pattern was developed by Josiah Spode from an original Chinese pattern called Mandarin in 1790 or thereabouts. An extremely popular pattern with a legend most likely created for its compelling love story, Willow was firmly entrenched in Victorian households in several color schemes; black and white, red and white, cream and black, green and black and the quintessential, blue and white.
Blue Willow Collections
In Stoke-on-Trent, England, at the site of the original Spode factory, the Spode Museum features a priceless collection of blue and white china, including Blue Willow. Pieces date back as far as 1790.
Spode's original patterns were produced from 1784 - 1820 and were all done in blue and white.The earliest antique English porcelain was made at the Chelsea factory in the early 18th century. Blue Willow grew in popularity and inevitably found its way westward in the covered wagons of the early settlers.
Josiah Spode of Stoke developed bone china which led to the development of cream-colored earthenware. Antique English porcelain, such as transfer ware, cream ware, Blue Willow, chintz, and flow blue set trends for many of the makers of both utilitarian and decorative wares.
Blue Willow Plates
The value of Blue Willow china today depends mainly on its age and the manufacturer. It can range from top dollar to a mere $1.00 per item. Serious collectors often pay thousands of dollars for a single plate or platter, just to own one of the earliest versions of the pattern.
Those who simply enjoy the classic beauty of the pattern can either collect an inexpensive version or collect older pieces, one by one. These can be found at flea markets, yard sales, or by purchasing a good-quality Willow pattern from a current vendor such as this one located in Scottsdale, AZ.
Collecting the modern Spode version today will certainly pay off in the future as all authentic Spode pieces are destined to become classics. Willow Ware by Royal China can still be found at antique stores and flea markets. It was a 'best selling' brand which is still in circulation today.
Wearing its love story on its face, Blue Willow is certain to remain a collectible for a long time to come.
Sources:
- www.spode.co.uk
- The Willow Pattern That We Knew: the Victorian Lit. of Blue Willow by Patricia O'Hara; 1993
