Small willow studs

Historical Information

Find. Willow Pattern Fragment/s

Pattern/Details: Blue-and-white transfer-print showing part of the classic Willow Pattern on a white glazed surface.

Date: Circa 1820-1900

Material: White earthenware with cobalt-blue underglaze transfer print.

Find Location: Essex Coast, England

Additional Information:

This hand shaped fragment comes from a plate or bowl decorated in the famous Willow Pattern, one of Britain's most enduring ceramic designs. Inspired by Chinese porcelain, it was first produced in Bngland around 1790 and became a Victorian household favourite. The design tells a romantic tale of forbidden love: two lovers, Koong-se and Chang. flee across a bridge to escape her father's anger, only to be transformed into a pair of doves united forever.

Produced in countless variations by Staffordshire and other English potteries, Willow Pattern ware symbolised love, beauty, and storytelling through everyday objects Smoothed by sea and time, these pieces carry that timeless legend - small shards of love, reimagined as wearable art.