English earthenware dish 19th Staffordshire willow pattern decoration

We offer you this 19th century staffordshire english earthenware dish with willow decoration willow pattern the willow pattern who has not enjoyed a meal served on a blue and white plate while contemplating its decoration. In the united kingdom of the 19th century, “blue and white” was a real fashion. The willow pattern decor in particular, better known as willow pattern, comes in many variations and is extremely successful. Symbol of a true cult for chinoiserie, this motif also represents the most widespread decoration of the popular variety of the “blue and white” style. Chinese as it appears, and although it is derived from patterns painted on chinese porcelain from the beginning of the 18th century, the willow pattern – or willow pattern – is an english creation. The setting tells a romantic story which was specifically invented to promote the broadcast of this british production. Koong-se and chang are in love. Their affair is unfortunately impossible because the first is the daughter of a mandarin and the second, his secretary, educated but poor. The father promises his daughter's hand to a rich nobleman. As the wedding date approaches, the lovers decide to escape across a small bridge, located at the foot of a willow tree, and take shelter with a faithful servant, on the other side of the bridge. The old mandarin pursues them, forcing them to brave the dangerous waters of the river. They finally find refuge on a small island while two birds in flight celebrate their union. The decor of the willow pattern represents several moments of this tale: the escape over a small bridge, at the foot of a willow, the pursuit, the shelter with the servant, the crossing by boat then the saving island in the distance and the couple birds in the sky. It was composed in the 1780s by josiah spode who was inspired by the river landscapes adorning chinese export porcelain to decorate the fine earthenware produced in his own factory in stok.

Ref. : H2K6GCZ5