The House of Blue Willow is one of the dozens of Japanese factories that produced the blue willow pattern for export in the 20th century. Collectors like the Japanese willow because of the many different types of pieces available -- and because of the nice blue color. Also, the pattern appears bigger because there is no inner border to take up space on the plates. Willow is a British pattern developed by Josiah Spode c. 1790 and based on some Chinese Export porcelain patterns that were imported by the thousands into Britain in the 18th century. The pattern has a long and varied history! You are fortunate that you are receiving pieces that came down from your family. Many of us have to collect our own "family" pieces!
Responses