Showing posts with label Blue Willow fable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blue Willow fable. Show all posts

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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