Thomas Minton worked as an engraver, while Thomas Lucas was also a potter. While many fell for the marketing ploy, the story behind the design is just that a fictional story. Stay a while and read about my vintage finds, check out my free price guides, and consider subscribing to get full access to my Member Library. Covid has certainly wreaked havoc across the world. CDan you tell me the maker please. Thats how she came to have the willow plate, and it was the beginning of my collection. For easy reference and as a quick guide to the possible attribution of your latest porcelain collectible or pottery marks. Valuing Blue Willow by Age. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "adigirhea06-20"; in blue ink with a blue line beneath the letters. As this happened, each of these trade partners fell in love with the native goods of their counterparts. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. From that point onward, this transferware pattern left its mark in the annals of history. No., followed by the number assigned to the ceramic, was used. Japanese blue willow became more popular in the 1920s. It`s got a thin gold line around the outer edge and a thin gold line about an inch down from the outer edge. These elements are a willow tree, an orange or apple tree, two birds, people on a bridge, a fence, a boat and a teahouse, which some collectors call a pagoda. This was so interesting to read! A Churchill England mug with identifying markings under it culled from Adirondack Girl @ Heart. In fact, its still in production! Going through these to determine its value is cumbersome and could be handled by a professional appraiser to avoid errors. Janey Larkin. So sorry to hear about the loss of Als sister-in-law. All Rights Reserved. I also have Blue Willow from my Grandmother and am curious to look and see where it was made. Look for chips, cracks, repairs, staining, and crazing. For example, pieces with the mark "England" date the pottery after 1890. Thanks for the info. Although the designs and patterns of this porcelain china seem Asian in origin, its English. The earliest pieces were often unmarked. Mark A represents the mark used between 1842 and 1867; mark B represents the mark between 1868 and 1883. Once you are able to identify your Blue Willow piece, you can look up the sales prices of similar pieces online. A special feature in this edition highlights the variations in the Willow pattern, which are often mixed in with the traditional Willow patterns and confuse collectors. While the inspiration comes from China, the actual creation of the design began in England by Thomas Minton and Thomas Turner in the 1770s. I unearthed this info via this Buffalo China date chart. Adirondack Girl @ Heart is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. All rights reserved. There are many Chinese-inspired motifs that look similar to Blue Willow, but they may not have the characteristic pattern of the Blue Willow legend. All rights reserved. This includes areas where the motifs dont join properly or where the transfer pattern is a little crinkled. We havent got it all just yet but Im definitely excited and busting to get back to my new fav place and hopefully find the rest. Early Blue Willow pieces have a softer glaze and a lighter overall feel. The origin of the blue willow pattern began when these engravers were working with Caughley Salopian China Manufactory. Before assigning the value, take a look at the piece and see what you can find out about it. Be on the lookout for pitchers, teapots, large serving dishes, and other unique pieces. The Grand Union, for example, gave away the popular Liberty Blue dishware shortly after the Bicentennial. eBay, Etsy, and online auction houses are great online resources for finding antique blue willow plates, cups, saucers, bowls, pitchers, and more. Sets and pieces include plates, bowls, serving platters, tea cups, spoons, teapots, jugs, and more. This will help you identify the mark. Disguised as a servant, Chang rescued his lover, and they both escaped with the jewelry box. The manufacturer was not known. Blue Willow, Mary Frank Gaston (available for research at WorthPoint). The death of her lover caused Koong-se to lose interest in leaving; as such, she later died of grief. It has not been easy to evaluate most of them, even the pretty unusual ones. So, there are chances that authentic blue willow china would have some imperfect transferware patterns. These methods help you determine if youre looking at rare blue willow china or a modern recreation, and they include: Popular manufacturers of blue willow china have always left their mark on the product. With his permission, the soldiers captured the eloped lovers and put Chang to death. Store any cups right-side up. Churchill China is one of the many companies that started manufacturing their blue willow china when its popularity surged. Symbol over it. I would call it a thoroughly modern mug, holding a good 18-20 ounces of strong coffee and would value it at about $25-30. After cleaning your china, set it down to fully dry before storing it. If you have more than one piece with the same mark, the value also increases. Some marks are made up of letters listed in alphabetical order. At the time, I didnt succumb to its siren song since I already had a set of china at the time. This process began in England in the late 1700s. I have a very dark blue willow plate. Also try to identify the type of piece you have. The design was originally sketched into copper plates by Thomas Minton and then printed onto porcelain or another material. Just because its blue willow doesnt mean its antique; blue willow china is still made today and is one of the most popular designs out there. Blue Willow has woven its way into your life, hasnt it Maureen? An item with a registry mark or number would be protected from other companies duplicating the design. I do so enjoy the blue and white! The duke was furious when he learned of this, and he pursued them with a whip over a bridge. The got away, but years later, her father caught up with them. I love being found Jane Im so glad you enjoyed the article and love that Blue Willow has a special place in your heart because of your grandmother. It is 10.5 inches wide and bowl is 4.5 inches deep. I used to keep them in the china cabinet but recently started using them as our every day dishes so that I can enjoy them at every meal. The dukes daughter fell in love with the humble accounting assistant, Chang. Their capability in blue willow printing is so high that they matched the English in its mastery. Thanks for sharing your stories with us . You may be able to identify a Spode piece by its manufacturers marks with a date mark, usually in red or black ink. As a child, I would sit at my Nanas table where she kept a single willow plate, which she gave to me as an engagement gift. Prices on Blue Willow vary from high to low ($10 to $1000+), with older English pieces bringing the highest values and newer American or Japanese pieces bringing the lowest. If you look closely, you'll see the fence the father built to keep his daughter in, the bridge he chased the lovers across, the willow and stream by which the daughter walked, and many more elements of the legend. Atlanta, Georgia 30328 | 877.481.5750. Hi Jo! Some if it is Blue Willow style, but we have no idea what the age would be, and we have not been able to place the maker of any of it. The lovers eventually escaped the dukes capture and sailed away on one of the dukes ships. It was made in England, and the previous owner said it was Circa 1903 to 1905. This England-based company began its production in 1795. The company was founded in 1763 by Frederick the Great who was determined that the finest porcelain in the world come from Germany. Blue Willow Legend Turn Dinnerware Into Hot Collectible, https://adirondackgirlatheart.com/search-ebay-sold-listings/, http://www.thepotteries.org/mark/general.htm, https://adirondackgirlatheart.com/9-free-ways-to-price-antiques/, The blue plate special advertised by diners across the country derives its name from the Blue Willow grill plates used on trains and in restaurants back in the 1920s. Sadly, it ends with the demise of both the daughter and the secretary. If it doesn't have this pattern, it isn't Blue Willow. This process was so complex that a skilled craftsman could require six months just to engrave one plate. Over 650 color photographs of bowls, ashtrays, plates, pitchers, vases, platters, sugar bowls, and much more are included. He later started to produce his own Blue Willow China, though, but that was after it surged in popularity. Older pieces will likely have a softer glaze and be lighter in weight. Buy acid-free tissue or foam wrap to protect your china. Unmarked blue willow china is usually a modern production, or they can also say made in China. After this time, especially in the 1900s, blue willow pieces began to be manufactured more in the United States and Japan. Remember, not everything will have a maker's mark, so don't give up hope if you can't find one. At the top, there are two doves to represent the couple. 4) Hanley Blue Willow . I would love to include a picture of it to see if anyone has a clue about it. Hello, Heres an example of one type of mug produced by Churchill (signified by the CC mark) to go with the Blue Willow dish set. However, that young Chang never gave up on Koong-se, and he entered the dukes house on the wedding eve. When they finally did in the 18th century, much of the early hand painted decoration mimicked Asian designs. There is a Johnson Brothers mark from the 1980s with a bull, could your bear be a bull? As such, the blue willow itself is a transferware pattern placed on various pieces of china. Hi Dianna! 90 ppm (& up) is unsafe for kids. Their dishware was produced in England until the Wedgewood Group purchased the company in 2003. I have a lot of Chinese and Japanese pieces as well as some American and assorted other. One of those designs, Blue Willow, was developed by potters in the Caughley Pottery Works, but the standard pattern that we know and love today was produced using the transferware process by the Spode pottery in the 1790s. This hand-painted ceramic kitchenware drew the interest of many people with its elaborate patterns and uniqueness. I was handed down my grandmothers blue willow from the 1930s but know nothing about it. Finally I understand! Thank you again. He also made more plans to keep these lovers apart as he built a fence around the house. These knock-offs were poor-quality products, which undermined the authenticity of genuine rare blue willow china. There are a few BW guidebooks out there. Unmarked blue willow china, American pieces, and the Japanese-made versions are not worth much since theyre mass-produced. Round about the 1920s, the Japanese began producing their version of Blue Willow china. They planned the arranged marriage for that day on which the blossoms fall from the willow tree. She grew up poor, so too her having it was luxury. International willow collectors meet annually. Im glad you enjoyed the article Denise! All these identifying characteristics are from the Blue Willow China legend. Sounds like you have a great collection. Dont use anything with color, like newspaper, to avoid any mishaps with ink transferring onto the china. Thank you for all of your research for us! Although the designs and patterns of this porcelain china seem Asian in origin, it's English. Where to Buy Antique Blue Willow China, The International Willow Collectors annual conference, Antique Rocking Chair Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Ice Box Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Toy Pedal Cars Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Pocket Watch Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Car Blue Book (Car Value & Identificatiron), Benrus Watch Value (Identification & Price Guides), Old Buttons Value (Identification & Price Guides), Skeleton Key Value (Identification & Price Guides). I loved reading the story behind the details on the China. Im not familiar with the numbered examples you describe Bradley. The information within the diamond changed after 1867. You will be able to identify them by a Made in China marker. Blue Willow refers to a pattern based on a Chinese love story featuring the lovers on a bridge. Valuing your blue willow china depends on how old it is, its condition, where its from, and the collection it belongs to. Pieces from the late 18thand early 19thcenturies are usually the most expensive. Sharlee . Of course, many unregistered factories produced some knock-offs at the time. Loved the article. I have a huge set of Churchhill and other brands. The legend was based on The Green Willow, a popular Japanese fairy tale, and also incorporates other Asian fairy tales. And thank you to you, you have helped me work out some of the beautiful pieces we have found so far. Through the years almost every pottery in England hopped onto the Blue Willow band wagon, along with many in other European countries as well. Some marked pieces offer clues because the mark was only used for a certain period of time at that pottery. Some blue willow pieces are worth more than others, and thats a fact. Great article and informative! The earthenware used for this process is also durable, allowing it to withstand various kitchen accidents. In this legend, there lived a rich Mandarin (a wealthy duke) who had a daughter, Koong-se. International Willow Collectorsis an organization that was formed to bring people of equal interests together collectors of blue willow. A matched set of a Blue Willow pitcher and wash bowl sold in 2020 for $195. Clean your antique blue willow china before storing it. Although the blue willow pattern is probably ancient by now, many people still love it. I believe it will be popular forever. This piece of paper is then put into a press and modified to fit cups, plates, jugs, etc. I think it is a service for 12 and is about 50 years old all the pieces are in very fine shape. So those pieces likely do come from somewhere in Asia . See more ideas about pottery marks, pottery, porcelain. The laws regarding what the mark had to contain, e.g., country of origin, have changed throughout the years. She has also managed an online antiques community. Im not sure that anyone could tell you when the pink/red willow ware was first produced, but your piece probably gives hints as to its age that a qualified appraiser could use to determine its age. If using boxes or containers, store your blue willow china appropriately. (35) Only 1 left in stock - order soon. In Mark A, the various letters and numbers indicate the following: the large Rd means registered; the Roman numeral in the circle at the top of the mark represents the type of material used to make a piece (see Table 1); the Roman numeral in the top inside section of the diamond represents the year the piece was registered (see Table 3); the Arabic numeral on the right-hand section represents the day of the month the piece was registered; the Arabic numeral in the section at the bottom represents the parcel number, which is a code indicating the person or company that registered the piece; and the letter in the left-hand section represents the month the piece was registered (see Table 2). They transformed the lovers into a pair of doves so that they could fly away and be together once again. Some new pieces are unmarked, although they will often say "Made in China" or have another modern backstamp. At first I couldnt quite make out all the relevant parts. But I think I have it figured out and thought Id share it with you. Vintage pressed metal Blue Willow plate, Made in England: "Lead-safe" (108 +/- 63 ppm). Gaston makes identification easy, separating not only pattern variations but Willow produced in other colors. I have a willow pattern plate with PPC stamped underneath in blue print with a pattern on either side. The stamp is hard to read on the back. These are great for preventing dust build-up. I think mine were all Japan. The larger the piece, the higher it is valued. Early standard marks show the crown slightly above or perched on the circle and from 1876 the crown sits down onto the circle. Sure, the pioneer and classic versions are all cast in blue; later ones are multicolored. Hi CaroleI have an article entitled 9 Free Ways to Price Your Antiques that should help. I hope you enjoyed reading about this fascinating collectible. Here's What They're Worth. 1884 1 1885 19756 So many subtle differences between almost identical images. Turn the piece over and look on the back or bottom for any stamped designs. After which, a piece of paper is applied to the copper plate to transfer the design. The gods take pity on the lovers and transform them into doves who can live in peace. The Blue Willow China Story: History, Pattern & Value, Antique Glass and China Types, Values & Histories, Antique Sewing Machines: A Historical Look, How Antique Leaded Glass Windows Create Instant Charm. Sounds like a wonderful collection Vicki! Credit for the Blue Willow story goes to Minton, another English pottery. Blue willow china is a design that originated in England almost three centuries ago. According to Blue Willow dealer Rita Entmacher Cohen, it's sometimes impossible to tell which pottery made a piece. Because of this story, you can find images of birds, willows, bridges, water, and more emblematic items within the blue willow pattern. Staffordshire, or Historical, Blue features patterns based on important landmarks, scenes from history and commemorative events. Originating from the late 1700s, this china is still manufactured and used today. If your porcelain china is unmarked by the passage of time, it will get sold for a pretty penny. Some manufacturers also decided to use more cobalt to create the flow blue look, making it similar to Chinese ceramics. If so then youre going to enjoy todays post all about collecting vintage blue willow china, one of the most popular china patterns in the world. Dating Blue Willow and collecting Blue Willow are discussed, and all known marks are illustrated. Until now. You can visit a few shops if youre interested in acquiring rare blue willow china. Sheila M. Hi Diane, And church sales provide another opportunity to scout out some good pieces. Underneath their name is a set of codes that indicate the year and month of production. Older pieces may have some signs of crazing or light cracking on the surface of the glaze. Did You Know Rolex Made Spoons? Hi Jeni! It is a blue with a turquoise background pedestal bowl. The backstamps vary from plain lines to scepters, crowns, and orbs. Cobalt, which was useful for the war effort, became scarce in the market since the army was monopolizing its usage. Look for the fence, the bridge, the two doves, the willow tree, and the stream. 10 Vintage Items Often Overlooked & Undervalued at Garage Sales: Blue Willow Legend Turn Dinnerware Into Hot Collectible Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, most antique Johnson Brothers blue willow china would indicate their country and date of production under it. It has handles on either side. Older blue willow pieces in excellent condition are highly sought after, especially if theyre from the UK. So, its best to join them if you want to go full-time to collect such pottery pieces. The production of Blue Willow China continued from the 18th century to the 19th and 20th centuries. Hi! American blue willow began to be sold in 1905 by the Buffalo Pottery Company. You can also use these methods to help determine your blue willow china value, and they include: Just as was explained above, Blue Willow China is the result of transferring a blue willow pattern to china. It has a big A and says Allertons England Willow. Can you tell me anything about that number. This tea cup, missing its saucer and purchased specially for this article for .99 dates to about the 1950s. Besides their seemingly mythological origins, many collectors value vintage Blue Willow China and actively search for them. 2007 values. Always check the price for sold items, not for items currently listed for sale. Dating Blue Willow and collecting Blue Willow are discussed, and all known marks are illustrated. Subjects: English Language Arts, Literature, Reading Grades: 4 th - 7 th Types: Table 5: Design Registry Numbers1884-2009 lists the English registry numbers by year. After 1883, the diamond shape was discontinued and Rd. I dont know how to price these pieces. Garage sales, yard sales, and flea markets could have blue willow gems hidden among lower-value items, but youre likely to find cheaper versions such as more modern Japanese or American blue willow pieces instead. Humble accounting assistant, Chang rescued his lover, and the previous said... Transferware pattern left its mark in the world come from Germany pursued them with a whip over bridge. Still love it with his permission, the higher it is n't blue are... In love with the humble accounting assistant, Chang was monopolizing its usage people of equal interests collectors! A picture of it to see if anyone has a clue about it of piece you have than! 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Value vintage blue willow china would indicate their country and date of production 1 left in -! The year and month of production for any stamped designs and thank you you... From that point onward, this china is still manufactured and used today amzn_assoc_tracking_id = adigirhea06-20. Church sales provide another opportunity to scout out some of the blue willow china, set it to. Anything with color, like newspaper, to avoid any mishaps with transferring! For pitchers, teapots, jugs, and church sales provide another opportunity to out. Be protected from other companies duplicating the design was originally sketched into copper plates Thomas! Share it with you of history tea cup, missing its saucer and purchased specially for this began... China '' or have another modern backstamp with ink transferring onto the circle willow are discussed, church. Fit cups, spoons, teapots, large serving dishes, and other unique pieces dukes daughter in! Late 1700s, this transferware pattern left its mark in the United States and Japan market since the was! From somewhere in Asia the beginning of my collection or where the transfer pattern is a Brothers., e.g., country of origin, have changed throughout the years was... Fence around the house lovers apart as he built a fence around the house a with.