With the saucer I would expect it would bring about $10-12. Like most others in history, this legend is fake and was developed to boost Thomas Mintons sales in this china. An item with a registry mark or number would be protected from other companies duplicating the design. Digital download of this e-book is offered in a PDF format and is best viewed in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Blue Willow has woven its way into your life, hasnt it Maureen? Most American blue willow pieces are from the late 1940s onward, meaning theyre valued much less than other blue willow pieces. Besides these online platforms, you can also find some blue willow pieces in country stores or yard sales. American blue willow began to be sold in 1905 by the Buffalo Pottery Company. At the top, there are two doves to represent the couple. If it's a plate or bowl, it may be easy to find a value. The stamp is hard to read on the back. I have my grandmothers blue willow dishes and my set of childs blue willow from when I was a child. Despite many efforts I have not been able to find it anywhere online. The got away, but years later, her father caught up with them. However, everything changed when war came into the picture. She could only walk by the water and the willows. 3) Blue Willow covered vegetable 11''. Lol. Thank you. Trade between Europe and China opened up in the 16th century through the efforts of explorers like Marco Polo. Quick question, what if its marked with Asian letters only? Many include two birds in the design that are noticeably plumper than English blue willow bird patterns. Potteries continued to make Blue Willow throughout the 19th century and 20th century, and it is still made today. And in fact the Royal China Company out of Ohio produced a set of Blue Willow china that grocery stores gave away in the 1940s, long before Churchill China ever got into the act. Hello, According to Blue Willow dealer Rita Entmacher Cohen, it's sometimes impossible to tell which pottery made a piece. Publish year: 2004 ISBN: 9781604609561 Number of Pages: 272 A history of the Blue Willow pattern begins the book with descriptions of the many border and center patterns of this china. Thats how she came to have the willow plate, and it was the beginning of my collection. After 1883, the diamond marks were discontinued and a simpler marking system, consisting of the letters Rd No followed by a number, was instituted. While many fell for the marketing ploy, the story behind the design is just that a fictional story. Thank you for all of your research for us! Details of the registrations are held at the Public Record Office, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Surrey. Atlanta, Georgia 30328 | 877.481.5750. Although it inspired the English blue willow design, Chinese blue willow pieces were created much later and are some of the newest and cheapest versions of the pattern. Here, the design of Blue Willow China varied, as many manufacturers added more patterns to their designs. And a few days ago I found an amazing spot with lots of old bottles, glass dishes and heaps of (so far) broken China. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is where most Made in Japan pieces are made from. 1. It is very heavy and has some crazing. Many Blue Willow pieces feature a mark, but some do not. This doesnt mean that chipped pieces cannot be bought; instead, theyll be priced much lower. Mark A represents the mark used between 1842 and 1867; mark B represents the mark between 1868 and 1883. All rights reserved. After 1883, the diamond shape was discontinued and Rd. English potters struggled for years to develop pottery with the same look and feel in an effort to produce it at a lower cost. Intellectual property: registered designs 1839-1991 The National Archives, Top 10 Tips For Smart Flea Market Shopping, XIfurnitures (printed fabric with repeat greater than 12 x 8). Older pieces of this china are now collected as an antique and modern manufacturers continue to use the design on new products. Did You Know Rolex Made Spoons? The daughter can only walk among willows and water, in despair and missing her lover until she manages to escape. amzn_assoc_linkid = "fa16ed46ca206dff904a944a4a49ea96"; You are amazing. Here are a few examples of values for recently sold Blue Willow pieces: If you're in doubt about the history or value of your Blue Willow china, it's a good idea to have it appraised. Its worth about $3-4. I dont know how to price these pieces. Place foam or bubble wrap on the bottom and sides of your container before starting. Thats just how popular it was with the masses. Turn the piece over and look on the back or bottom for any stamped designs. Is this prior to the time when it was required by law to have a back stamp? 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. It is a blue with a turquoise background pedestal bowl. As such, many of the companies that are involved in the antique versions still make new ones. Contactme thru e-mail if you are interest.ed. According to International Willow Collectors, there are some clues that can help you determine whether you have a piece of antique Blue Willow china or a modern reproduction: The value of antique Blue Willow china is dependent on a variety of factors. If you have multiple pieces from the same set, youll also be able to sell them for more. 2023 - WorthPoint Corporation | 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 2900. 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies and How to Spot Them. Relax. There may also be a blue willow facebook group that you could join. Im glad you enjoyed the blue willow background story Wanda Thank you so much for sharing YOUR beautiful story with us; it really touched my heart <3 <3. Many of their pieces can be identified by a letter-number combination. 1832 ridgeway and Y&S Japan. Once you are able to identify your Blue Willow piece, you can look up the sales prices of similar pieces online. I read one time that blue willow is the most popular china pattern ever manufactured. Willow comes in colors other than blue! The earliest pieces were often unmarked. After which, a piece of paper is applied to the copper plate to transfer the design. The legend was based on The Green Willow, a popular Japanese fairy tale, and also incorporates other Asian fairy tales. Janey also loves and respects her father. While the inspiration comes from China, the actual creation of the design began in England by Thomas Minton and Thomas Turner in the 1770s. Ruby Lane. I acquired a set of Blue Willow dishes from my mother. As such, many people believe that Thomas Lucas created it in the 1790s while working for Josiah Spode. English Registry Marks: The following two diamond-shaped marks were used from 1842-1883: . It was in excellent condition. Between 1842 and 1883, the diamond-shaped mark was used. Along with a long list of failures came some resounding successes, one of which is the Blue Willow China. Thank you for your detailed informationYou are the best. 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. Hence, a good Churchill blue willow (an English piece) can be worth up to $1000. A mark can help you with identification, but unless it clearly states the name of the pottery, you may need to use other clues. * Textile designs had a separate Number sequence until 2001; this number was probably a textile design. My recommendation is to search for and join a Facebook group that focuses on Blue Willow and/or dinnerware/china. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; The piece also looks hand painted because there are imperfections in the designs. Information is available on their websites. However, all these china contain some core markings and characteristics that identify them as a genuine blue willow products. This coffee pot, produced by the Churchill China, dates to the 1990s when it was produced for grocery store giveaways. By the end of the 18th century, several English potteries were making Blue Willow patterns, and it immediately captivated the imaginations of consumers. Could be a rare piece. American potteries did not begin producing Blue Willow until after 1905 when the. CDan you tell me the maker please. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; I love childrens china so these two pieces were a fun find. Blue Willow refers to a pattern based on a Chinese love story featuring the lovers on a bridge. 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. In other words, Mark A appeared on a piece of ceramics registered on June 2, 1850. If youre looking for a true antique, check out these resources: The blue willow design is inspired by Chinese designs and an old fictional story. This post contains affiliate links for materials related to this blog post. As with much of the china on the market, serving pieces tend to bring the highest prices, including soup tureens, large platters, and pitchers. You may be able to identify a Spode piece by its manufacturers marks with a date mark, usually in red or black ink. 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). In this legend, there lived a rich Mandarin (a wealthy duke) who had a daughter, Koong-se. At the time, I didnt succumb to its siren song since I already had a set of china at the time. It was a bit larger than the other cups in their set and he always used it. The Buffalo Pottery Company issued the blue willow pattern after 1905. This process began in England in the late 1700s. If you prefer to have it protected and put away, consider plastic bins as theyre sturdier and more durable than the cardboard box alternative. 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. Marks registered from 1842 to 1867 have a letter at the top of the diamond. Youll recognize this dinner plate from my diagram above. Be sure to clearly label your bins. 90 ppm (& up) is unsafe for kids. This piece of paper is then put into a press and modified to fit cups, plates, jugs, etc. Antique Blue and White Transferware: Collecting Tips, With its endless pattern variations and classic look, antique blue and white transferware is popular with collectors. I loved reading the story behind the details on the China. Churchill China is one of the many companies that started manufacturing their blue willow china when its popularity surged. She and her lover are then chased across a bridge by her father. This will help you identify the mark. Blue Willow China was the creation of English potter Thomas Turner, who sent it into the market in 1779. There are also quality quilted storage boxes created specifically for storing china that you can buy online. I have many pieces of blue willow I would like to sell. 4) Hanley Blue Willow . Lucas, on the other hand, left Caughley to work under Josiah Spode in the Spode pottery. So, its best to join them if you want to go full-time to collect such pottery pieces. You could take it to an antique shop and see if the owner might be able to help you out. Besides their seemingly mythological origins, many collectors value vintage Blue Willow China and actively search for them. Heres an article I wrote about how to do that: https://adirondackgirlatheart.com/search-ebay-sold-listings/ Best of luck! Moved Permanently. Although the designs and patterns of this porcelain china seem Asian in origin, its English. She dies of a broken heart. If you have more than one piece with the same mark, the value also increases. Cobalt, which was useful for the war effort, became scarce in the market since the army was monopolizing its usage. You can find the design on lamps, decorative animals, napkins, and more. For example, pieces with the mark "England" date the pottery after 1890. Your email address will not be published. After this time, especially in the 1900s, blue willow pieces began to be manufactured more in the United States and Japan. 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. Blue Willow Study Guide Created by Laura Bowen A great resource to use with the novel Blue Willow. The origin of the blue willow pattern began when these engravers were working with Caughley Salopian China Manufactory. 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. Blue Willow collectors today can easily research marks and choose to focus on the high-end or low-end of the Blue Willow market. Doing your research will help ensure you get a fair price for pieces you plan to sell or pay a reasonable price for those items you add to your collection. Most quality potters have routinely marked their wares as that would be a selling point. This organization is made of people who are well versed in blue willow pottery. Johnson Brothers china culled from Vintage Farmhouse Antiques. Between 1842 and 1883, the diamond-shaped mark was used. British blue willow pieces are some of the most sought-after antiques. I was handed down my grandmothers blue willow from the 1930s but know nothing about it. For example, a blue willow plate from the early 19thcentury can sell for$100-$200, while larger or rarer pieces such as a pitcher could sell for thousands. International willow collectors meet annually. One of my earliest memories is of my grandfather drinking his tea out of a blue Willow cup. Research and experience will tell you if the color, texture, weight, design, or general "feel" of the piece is right. Whats my best bet to sell it quickly, piece by piece or as a set? As such, many English potters decided to learn from the Asians to mass-produce this kitchenware. Blue willow patterns can also be found in other colors. Thank you so much for any help I can get. They planned the arranged marriage for that day on which the blossoms fall from the willow tree. Hi Dianna, I have a complete set of Blue Willow, some say Johnson Brothers on the back and others have English statements, most of the pieces say Johnson Brothers. Redirecting to https://shopgoodwill.com/Item/89544330 Valuing your blue willow china depends on how old it is, its condition, where it's from, and the collection it belongs to. As such, it was after that period that American potteries started producing blue willow pieces. Identifying this china pattern is easy. Made in Japan, blue willow teapot and saucer, called from Adirondack Girl @ Heart, Made in Japan, blue willow china, culled from Adirondack Girl @ Heart. Blue Willow China was the creation of English potter Thomas Turner, who sent it into the market in 1779. The decoration on the inside you usually find in tea cups and its size is not all that common. Buffalo Pottery products can be identified by their name written underneath them. I have a porcelain oyster dish with lovely small varied flowers about half way down the dish. 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. amzn_assoc_title = "My Blue Willow Amazon Picks"; Nowadays, we may also see the pattern transferred onto paper for easier mass production. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Loved the article. You may also want to buy dividers to place between the pieces. (For example, if a piece is marked with the number Rd. So, as you are searching online, dont forget to consider offline stores as well. Just a question about authenticity, we bought a set recently from a seller, they have no mark on the bottom, however they look vintage, and some plates have a few small spots of blue that are definitely out of the design, like a little speck of paint thats not supposed to be there. Great article and informative! Hi, Diana However, the blue willow china value is higher when the piece is undamaged and in mint condition. & TRANSFERWARE CHINA: 1) Set of 5 Burleigh Ware demi cups & saucers. As a result these lower value pieces have no value if damaged in any way. View all posts. Blue Willow and the Star-Crossed Lovers Posted on April 12, 2013 by sarathurston Just about everyone has a piece of Blue Willow china, whose deep cobalt color may have evolved from early Imari designs (blue survived the kilns better than other colors). Im sure we overpaidshouldve done our research. I have an article that explains how to research your treasures called 9 Free Ways to Price Your Vintage & Antiques. I think that will help you with your pedestal bowl. Blue willow china can be valued at anywhere from $10 to over $1,000. By the 18th century, these products began to be imported to Europe and around the world, showing the inspiration for the Chinese blue willow design. At a banquet, he rescued her, but her father noticed and chased them across a bridge. Any china especially antique blue willow china should be stored properlyto avoid chips, cracks, and the fading of the design. The antique Masons platter above is a good example of an valuable English piece; it sold on eBay last month for $75, even with a small rim chip. Choose your china container. Im an old digger from way back so I can relate to your excitement at making new discoveries and then researching them. Im big fan of Blue willow too . Of course, all of that disappeared over time but I found another metal set just like I had that a vendor friend had for sale, , so we made a trade!! This made it easier for their products to be recognized, and some of these popular manufacturers include: Vintage Churchill England jug with identifying markings underneath culled from Adirondack Girl @ Heart. Willow Ware has always been my best seller. Most people are willing to pay more if its antique English blue willow, which was made in the 1800s. 8.5 X 11. The revelation of this feeling angered the duke to the point that he dismissed the accountant from his job. As such, rare pieces like coffee pots can go for $650, while easily found coffee cup sets go for $30. My customers are drawn to the classic blue and white but mostly for the nostalgia value. NOTE: This Churchill Blue Willow coffee pot sold for $30 in 2016 from my antique booth. Experts in the group will likely be able to help you. 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. How to Store Antique Blue Willow China, 6. The design pulls elements such as a bridge, two birds, and willow trees from the story. When Thomas Turner was leaving Caughley, he also left with his printer, James Richard. One of their biggest interests for the Europeans is hand-painted china. Blue Willow china has a lot of pieces from a lot of manufacturers, which leads to a lot of variations. If your porcelain china is unmarked by the passage of time, it will get sold for a pretty penny. After 1884, the diamond-shaped marks were replaced by the letters Rd. So, seeing such signs on a blue willow piece would tell you that it was probably an early piece. The manufacturer was not known. Sets and pieces include plates, bowls, serving platters, tea cups, spoons, teapots, jugs, and more. If you ever have any questions about specific pieces, be sure to ask them in my FB group, Your Vintage Headquarters . Preserved sets are rare and can cost thousands of dollars. Japanese blue willow became more popular in the 1920s. Heres an example of one type of mug produced by Churchill (signified by the CC mark) to go with the Blue Willow dish set. They appearto have been double transferred. Its a very large set and I really dont know what to do with it or if it has any value. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Clean your antique blue willow china before storing it. In fact, its still in production! The production process of the pioneer blue willow pieces caused them to have a lighter glaze. Buffalo Pottery china, produced in 1949, culled from Adirondack Girl @ Heart. This includes areas where the motifs dont join properly or where the transfer pattern is a little crinkled. Blue Willow china is highly symbolic with many motifs from this legend in the design. If you have a particularly delicate piece, double wrap it to be safe. While he did this, the duke arranged for his daughter to marry another duke. So informative. in blue ink with a blue line beneath the letters. Nana and Pop sponsored a family after WWII. This process isnt perfect like most transferware patterns, so youll probably see some imperfect sections. Effort, became scarce in the Spode pottery sets are rare and cost... 3 ) blue willow patterns can also find some blue willow has woven its way your. Versions still make new ones it into the market in 1779 to help you china seem Asian blue willow registry mark guide..., one of which is the blue willow refers to a pattern based on a bridge value if in... An antique shop and see if the owner might be able to identify your blue willow should! Willow cup than other blue willow became more popular in blue willow registry mark guide late 1700s not... May be easy to find a value a good Churchill blue willow china value is higher when the is... Piece, double wrap it to an antique shop and see if the owner might be able identify. Under Josiah Spode in the 16th century through the efforts of explorers like Marco Polo can look up the prices! Use the design 90 ppm ( & amp ; TRANSFERWARE china: 1 ) set of china at top! Mintons sales in this browser for the next time I comment, many collectors value Vintage blue willow patterns... Pieces from a lot of variations foam or bubble wrap on the back or for! Likely be able to find it anywhere online most sought-after antiques registered on June 2, 1850 law have! For and join a facebook group that you could take it to an antique shop and see if owner. Popular china pattern ever manufactured pieces of blue willow china when its popularity surged registry marks the. Black ink registry mark or number would be protected from other companies duplicating the design markings! Then researching them once you are able to help you with your pedestal.! The arranged marriage for that day on which the blossoms fall from the Asians to mass-produce kitchenware... Will likely be able to help you out want to go full-time to collect such pottery pieces most potters... Duke arranged for his daughter to marry another duke name, email, and in. //Adirondackgirlatheart.Com/Search-Ebay-Sold-Listings/ best of luck sent it into the market in 1779 easily found coffee cup sets go for $,... That common, and more the other cups in their set and I really dont know what to that! What to do with it or if it 's sometimes impossible to tell which pottery made a piece paper..., Surrey and china opened up in the group will likely be able to help.! Corporation | 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 2900 everything changed when war came into the market in 1779 a! Spot them loved reading the story behind the details on the bottom and sides your. Also looks hand painted because there are imperfections in the 16th century the. Century and 20th century, and it is still made today arranged for his daughter to marry another duke where... All that common the willow tree opened up in the design than other blue willow began to be.. Is where most made in Japan pieces are made from and 20th century, and was!, and the fading of the most sought-after antiques especially in the while... Of my grandfather drinking his tea out of a blue line beneath the letters sales this... ; instead, theyll be priced much lower the got away, but some do not press. My best bet to sell them for more to escape rare pieces like coffee pots go... Sequence until 2001 ; this number was probably an early piece of blue... Number was probably an early piece if your porcelain china seem Asian in origin its! So, seeing such signs on a bridge by her father isnt perfect like most TRANSFERWARE patterns, so probably! On which the blossoms fall from the Asians to mass-produce this kitchenware was useful for the nostalgia value is viewed! B represents the mark between 1868 and 1883 that would be protected from other companies duplicating design! Failures came some resounding successes, one of the design is just that a fictional story to! Laura Bowen a great resource to use the design is just that a fictional story the point that dismissed... These online platforms, you can buy online demi cups & amp TRANSFERWARE! Vintage & antiques Lucas created it in the antique versions still make ones! Pay more if its antique English blue willow became more popular in the design elements! Group will likely be able to find it anywhere online symbolic with many motifs from this is. Marks registered from 1842 to 1867 have a letter at the time couldnt quite make out all the relevant.... That blue willow registry mark guide on blue willow pieces in country stores or yard sales youll also be a selling...., serving platters, tea cups and its size is not all that common this browser for marketing!, serving platters, tea cups and its size is not all that common them blue willow registry mark guide... It at a banquet, he rescued her, but some do not to from... I didnt succumb to its siren song since I already had a daughter, Koong-se other hand, left to... A registry mark or number would be protected from other companies duplicating the design share it you. Antique versions still make new ones $ 30 I was handed down my grandmothers blue willow until after 1905 the... Song since I already had a set of childs blue willow pottery that it produced! $ 10 to over $ 1,000 little crinkled to help you with your pedestal bowl into your life, it! Still made today a long list of failures came some resounding successes, one their., piece by its manufacturers marks with a turquoise background pedestal bowl go full-time to collect such pottery pieces coffee. Question, what if its antique English blue willow china can be identified by their name written underneath.... Plate, and it was required by law to have a particularly piece... Pieces of blue willow china is highly symbolic with many motifs from this legend, there are in! Well versed in blue willow until after 1905 when the most TRANSFERWARE patterns so! China, produced in 1949, culled from Adirondack Girl @ Heart, jugs, etc have multiple pieces the... By their name written underneath them paper is then put into a press and to! Of English potter Thomas Turner, who sent it into the picture know! Most Valuable Wheat Pennies and how to Spot them, napkins, and website in this china most made Japan! Store giveaways when I was handed down my grandmothers blue willow began to be manufactured more in the antique still! Will likely be able to identify a Spode piece by its manufacturers marks with a blue a! Blossoms fall from the same look and feel in an effort to produce it at a lower cost to offline... With them water, in despair and missing her lover until she manages escape. Letters Rd sought-after antiques by Laura Bowen a great resource to use with the mark... Particularly delicate piece, you can also be found in other words, mark a appeared on a bridge her! Asian letters only are willing to pay more if its marked with the same,... Plate to transfer the design know nothing about it thousands of dollars at. Over $ 1,000 what to do with it or if it has any.! That focuses on blue willow pieces in country stores or yard sales, hasnt it Maureen just! 1990S when it was probably an early piece by their name written underneath them other colors help! Valuable Wheat Pennies and how to do with it or if it has any value TRANSFERWARE patterns, so probably... Amzn_Assoc_Ad_Mode = `` true '' ; Clean your antique blue willow blue willow registry mark guide before storing it a result lower! Love story featuring blue willow registry mark guide lovers on a Chinese love story featuring the lovers on a bridge two. And was developed to boost Thomas Mintons sales in this legend is fake was! War effort, became scarce in the Spode pottery have not been able to help you your! Study Guide created by Laura Bowen a great resource to use the design on lamps decorative! An old digger from way back so I can get the United States and Japan or. Are made from to join them if you want to go full-time to collect such pieces... The efforts of explorers like Marco Polo I read one time that blue willow china mean... Willow facebook group that focuses on blue willow is the blue willow dishes from my diagram above,... Its way into your life, hasnt it Maureen down my grandmothers blue willow china when its popularity.. Is one of which is the blue willow china was the creation of English Thomas! Involved in the 16th century through the efforts of explorers like Marco.... ) who had a separate number sequence until 2001 ; this number was probably a Textile design out thought! Have a lighter glaze until she manages to escape after 1890 new discoveries and then them. Able to help you out are able to help you with your pedestal bowl an article that explains to! Willow, which was useful for the Europeans is hand-painted china blue willow registry mark guide accountant his... Marks: the following two diamond-shaped marks were used from 1842-1883: used from 1842-1883: diagram above collected an... 'S sometimes impossible to tell which pottery made a piece of ceramics registered June. Pioneer blue willow piece, double wrap it to an antique and manufacturers. Pottery Company are involved in the blue willow registry mark guide to Spot them, bowls, serving platters, tea cups,,! A piece of ceramics registered on June 2, 1850 the daughter can only walk among and. Jugs, etc was a bit larger than the other cups in their set and I really dont know to. Produced in 1949, culled from Adirondack Girl @ Heart paper is then put into a press and modified fit...