I was intrigued when my cousin Marilee brought this platter to me to see what I could discover about it. It was given to her by our Aunt Dodie, Doris (Simms) Henry of Oak River, MB, years ago. With my friend Google, I was actually able to find out quite a bit. I have had an attraction to Blue Willow for years and was even able to buy a boxful of it at an auction sale in 2018 for $1. When it turned out to be 24 saucers and 2 cups, I smashed the saucers with a hammer and used them to tile a broken table. I then sold the table for a little profit!
The Blue Willow pattern is one of the most easily recognizable and has been in production for many many years. It was first created in England by Thomas Turner in the late 1700’s even though it appears to be Oriental. The pattern was used on plates, cups, bowls, teapots and more by manufacturers around the world, each with its own distinct variations. Japan and the United States made their own designs in the post war years and it was quite popular china and restaurant ware in the 20th century. There are many variations in the details of the picture and besides the most popular blue, it was also made in red/pink, green, black and brown. Some have more than one colour but most are monochromic. It is still available new in lots of places.
Transferwear is when the design is inked onto tissue then transferred to the china piece. Often wrinkles and folds happened and that makes it a sign that it was not mass produced. I found a great Youtube video showing the process here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P7sIvxtLho
This platter of Marilee's measures 15.5 inches by 12 inches and it has a one inch deep recess. The stamp on the bottom says Warranted Staffordshire W.A. & Sons England identified here http://www.thepotteries.org/mark/a/adams1.html as belonging to Adams Pottery from 1891- early 1900’s. English manufacturers like this are more valued and sought after by collectors. Some sites refer to the embossed numbers 10 and 21 on the reverse as a year of manufacture and some say it refers to the size. Like everything, Facebook and the internet have many sites for collectors to look through and find conflicting information!
This pattern is called Standard Willow. The willow tree is just to the left of the middle with 12 branches, leaning over a bridge. Three 3 people walking across it or perhaps fishing. Several tea houses are part of the pictures as is a boat and a zig zag fence. The two lovebirds are always part of the pattern and in some they are chubbier and others they appear to be kissing! The legend as explained on this site is reprinted below.
https://adirondackgirlatheart.com/vintage-blue-willow-china/
Once upon a time, Koong-se a young woman of great beauty fell in love with Chang, her father’s accountant. Enraged when he discovers their love, he banishes the obviously lower class young man and constructs a wall to enforce their separation.
Daily the girl walks to the property’s edge and stands beneath the willow tree, gazing out across the sea and dreaming of her love. She despairs when she learns her father plans to marry her to a Duke.
But on the evening before her wedding, she escapes with her one true love; they race across the bridge and flee on the Duke’s own ship! Sadly, their union isn’t meant to last.
The Duke tracks them to an island where they’ve built a beautiful life, and he slays Chang, leaving Koong-se bereft. She dies of a broken heart.
The gods take pity on the pair and turn them into doves, allowing them to fly together forever.
We don't know the history of the platter before Aunt Dodie had it but it was no doubt a cherished possession. Thanks to Marilee for the chance to find out more. I will print out a copy of this post to tape to the back of it so this piece of the story is carried forward with it. Make this the day that you write down everything you know about a treasured piece, sign it and attach it to the item. Someday an ancestor will thank you.
