Monday, November 14, 2011

Blue Willow China ~

Blue Willow is probably one of the most easily recognized china patterns in the world. I have a funny story regarding it. When I was a teenager, I collected Blue Willow because I loved the pretty blue and white pattern, and it came with a romantic fable attached to it (what teenage girl wouldn't love that?)  I had a few pieces that were quite old that were given to me by an elderly aunt. Mom allowed me to hang a shelf in our kitchen to display it ~ and, believe me, I was really proud of my Blue Willow! One evening after dinner, Dad accidentally bumped into the shelf, knocking all the pieces off, sending them flying down onto the tiled floor. I'll never forget the look on my Dad's face as we watched my antique Blue Willow breaking into a dozen pieces! He looked like a little boy who knew he was about to get into big trouble! The look on his face was so funny, I couldn't get upset, but burst out laughing!

So, when I recently ran across the following pieces of Blue Willow at a flea market, I couldn't pass them up!  I got this cup and saucer for $2.00. It's made by Homer Laughlin, the U.S. company most well-known for manufacturing Fiestaware. I had no idea that Homer Laughlin ever made Blue Willow.





I also got this sugar bowl for just $1.50. Unfortunately, the lid was broken, but I love the shape of it. Right now, I'm using it to hold potpourri.



Blue Willow was designed by Thomas Minton in the late 1700s. The legend attached to it is actually English in origin and has no links to China. It was, in fact, made up to promote sales of the pattern. I'm glad I didn't know that when I was a teenager!  For those interested in reading the romantic Blue Willow fable, click HERE.


Until next time,
Cindy

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22 comments:

  1. smalltownmeNovember 14, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    Blue Willow brings back so many memories for me. I spent a lot of time at my aunt's house and her everyday dishes were Blue Willow. I don't have any of that set but I do have a child sized Blue Willow tea set. I never knew about the fable!

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  2. Laurie WoodumNovember 14, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    A stroll down nostalgia lane for me. Thanks for the history--I never knew the tale.

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  3. BrendaNovember 14, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    When I was about 13 years old, my grandmother bought a set of Blue Willow. I was with her when she bought it and I later inherited the set. My mother gave the set away at some point. I loved my grandmother more than anyone in the world and wish I still had that set. Thanks for the story Cindy.

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  4. AnonymousNovember 14, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Hiya Cindy! I remember Blue Willow from my childhood, too - my mom loved it and told me the fable. I have a number of pieces but none of them are matching sets - I pick them up here or there if they're under $5 - trying to stick to the better names. Also - there's a children's picture book story of the fable - lovely!
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  5. BethNovember 14, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Cindy, Thanks for sharing history of Blue Willow. It is such a pretty pattern.
    Blessings, Beth

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  6. Antiques And TeacupsNovember 14, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    I have always loved the Blue Willow story...even if it was an advertising ploy! Blue Willow is probably the pattern that has the most variations from the most pottery companies. Always popular. No surprise to me...I love anything blue and white! You can't go wrong! Thanks!
    Ruth

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  7. Heirloom treasuresNovember 15, 2011 at 3:03 AM

    You are a woman of my own heart, the love of blue and white china, I can't get enough of it. We who love willow pattern,prefer to believe the original story. x

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  8. Tea & Chocolate GuyNovember 15, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    The blue and white is stunning!! and want a fabulous deal!!

    Thanks for introducing Cindy and her book Angels at My Door... it sounds amazing!! and so does she.

    Loved your lipstick holder with vanity mirror!!! Happy Tuesday my friend..xo HHL

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  9. SnapNovember 15, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Blue Willow is one of my favorite patterns and just for the reasons you expressed! Girls will be girls, I guess! I love blue and white. Great finds and memories for you! Happy Tea Day!

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  10. tracyNovember 15, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Oh, your poor dad...I feel bad for him and not the Blue Willow...although I am glad you found some new pieces to replace the broken one's, at great price too!...
    Blue and white lovely combo-
    Grace

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  11. Patti November 15, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Well good for you for not getting upset at your dad for accidentally bumping into the shelf. I don't think I would have been as gracious!!

    Blessings on your day,
    Patti

    P.S. I'm taking a break on my Fill My Cup with Beauty blog...am only writing on my classic movie blog right now...it's too hard to keep up with 2 blogs.

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  12. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageNovember 15, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    Good morning Cindy,
    Wow! I applaude you for not getting upset with your Dad. His face told you how sorry he was and that was enough! Your Blue Willow pieces are very nice and I love how you used the sugar for potpourri. Great use of a piece!
    I found a BW cup and saucer not long ago in my thrifting and will likely be sharing it in the near future. I too have always been enamoured by that tale which accompanies the pattern. Even if it is just a tale, it lends itself to a romantic notion which has endeared it to so many of us all over the world. Thank you for sharing it with us. Wishing you a delightful day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  13. HopeNovember 15, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Blue Willow reminds me of Jane Austen for some reason. I have a few pieces inherited from a great aunt.

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  14. Johanna GehrleinNovember 15, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Hi Cindy,
    what a pitty that this bad luck occured in former times. I love the vibrant blue of the Blue Willow pattern. Now the pieces will remind you always to your Dad. Nice idea to display Potpourry inside. Thank you for sharing this touching story.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  15. meowmeowmansNovember 15, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    That's a really pretty pattern. Thanks for sharing the interesting background. I enjoyed the Blue Willow fable, and the story about your dad, too. :)

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  16. LindaNovember 15, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    My son has a few pieces of Blue Willow...he likes the blue and white and found them thrifting. So classic!

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  17. Kim, USANovember 18, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    That makes my eyes popped out. I am collecting blue dishes and this one is awesome!

    Blue Dish

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  18. Thoroughly Modern MeNovember 20, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    I have always loved this china for the colors. Thanks for the history.....

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  19. SmilingSallyNovember 21, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Thanks for sharing these beautiful blues. What a find.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Happy Blue Monday, Cindy!

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  20. Cafe au laitNovember 21, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    I love your blues!

    I played too. Mine is here.

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  21. joyh82November 21, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    So pretty, I have a few of these plates buy not a whole set. Happy Blue Monday!

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  22. Chubskulit RoseNovember 21, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Lovely blues Cindy!

    Blue in the Wild, come and see.

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