Willow Studs

Historical Information

Type: Willow Pattern

Rabric: Earthenware

Date: 19th Century

Bind Location: The Thames Estuary, UK

Extra information:

The Blue Willow Pattern has a captivating story behind it.

The narrative begins with the beautiful Koong-se, daughter of a rich Mandarin, who fell in love with Chang, her father's assistant. When the Mandarin discovered their relationship, he banished Chang and built a fence around his home to keep his daughter away from him. The Mandarin then arranged for Koong-se to wed a wealthy Duke, who brought a casket of jewels as a dowry. While the Duke and Mandarin were preoccupied, Chang snuck into the compound and fled with Koong-se and the jewels. The couple escaped to a laraway island, where Chang made a name for himself as a writer.

Unfortunately, the Mandarin eventually discovered their whereabouts and sent his men to kill Chang and set the house on fire, killing Koong-se in the process. The Gods, moved by their tragedy, immortalized them as two doves, which can be seen flying together at the top of the Willow Pattern.