The willow-pattern story
By Fleur
@Fleura (30541)
United Kingdom
December 7, 2017 12:40pm CST
The other day I was reading to the girls from a book with a selection of stories from around the world. One of the stories was ‘The willow-pattern story’, describing the story which is supposedly the origin of the picture on these familiar plates.
But as I was reading it I realised that to most children nowadays, these plates are not familiar at all. We still have some in the cupboard, but I haven’t seen any in the shops for years.
Apparently they originated around the late 18th century when ‘chinoiserie’ was very fashionable, but the design is created from various elements of Chinese art and did not originate in China at all.
Neither did the story which, instead of inspiring the pattern, originated afterwards (first published in 1849, according to Wikipedia) as an early marketing ploy.
Do you have any willow pattern plates? Do you know the story?
All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2017.
8 people like this
10 responses
@RasmaSandra (81006)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
7 Dec 17
I don't know that story but I do like these plates. Just looked and they have them on eBay so I guess people are still interested in them.
Find great deals on eBay for Willow Pattern Plates in Willow Patter Ware Pottery. Shop with confidence.
2 people like this
@Poppylicious (11133)
•
8 Dec 17
No, but Mumsy does. I'd completely forgotten about that story. I'm sure we looked at it in primary school.
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21744)
• Canada
7 Dec 17
We had cups and saucers in the blue willow pattern. I remember hearing/reading the story. I don't remember the story.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (117197)
• Anniston, Alabama
7 Dec 17
Yes I own many of this pattern. I still buy them at the antique shops.
1 person likes this
@catsholiday (460)
• Derby, England
7 Dec 17
I don't own any but know the story well. It is a sad story I think !
1 person likes this
