2 Vintage Wedgwood Porcelain Blue Willow Serving Platter & Casserole Dish 14"

Description

Vintage Wedgwood of Etruria & Barlston “Willow” pattern porcelain serving platter (large) and lidded casserole dish, featuring the traditional Blue Willow Chinoiserie design scenes with willows, trees, boats, pavilions / pagodas, figures and birds.

Developed by Thomas Turner in 1779, the Blue Willow pattern eventually became a classic fixture on many tables around the world. The pattern is actually English, although it is based on similar blue landscape designs in Chinese porcelain. By the end of the 18th century, several English potteries were making Blue Willow patterns, and it immediately captivated the imaginations of consumers.

Blue Willow Legend
In the Blue Willow legend, a the beautiful daughter of a powerful man fell in love with her father's secretary. Discovering their love, the father banished the secretary and constructed a great fence to keep his daughter contained. She could only walk by the water and the willows. She despaired until she received a message from her lover. At a banquet, he rescued her, but her father noticed and chased them across a bridge. The got away, but years later, her father caught up with them. The secretary was killed, and the daughter died as well. In pity, the gods turned them both into doves so they could fly together forever.

Condition

Good Overall - Gentle wear

Dimensions

Platter - 14.25” x 11.75” x 1.75” / Casserole Dish - 9.75” x 8.5” x 5.75” (Width x Depth x Height)