Blue Willow Dreamin'

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About Blue Willow Dreamin'

Maybe it was in Grandma's house. Or maybe you found it in the flea market. Send your best photos that convey the character of Blue Willow china. From tea cups to close ups, by many different makers.

Let's celebrate a graphic design that has been going strong for three centuries!

This classic china pattern is both homey and exotic. Do you know the story?

The design is based on an ancient Chinese legend about an angry father pursuing his daughter who is fleeing with her lover. Some say that she and her love are killed; others, that a tragic suicide occurs. Thereafter, the two are transformed into love birds that soar aloft, together forever.

Every design includes three figures (the couple being pursued by a third) on a bridge, a pagoda, a boat with an additional figure and, most importantly, the two love birds. There are also fruit trees, a zigzag fence and of course the weeping willow tree.

Who started it all? Although based on Canton export wares, the design is pure England in origin. Does the credit go to Thomas Minton of Coalport (1770), Thomas Turner at Caughley (1790) or Josiah Spode (1790)? Who can say? But down to grocery store and gas station giveaways, Blue Willow is copyright free--and once you start looking, you will find it almost everywhere!