Description: 3 Rare Vintage Blue Willow Frosted Glass Drinking Glasses Tumblers 5 1/4" Tall. No cracks or chips - see my 6 photos. Guaranteed genuine older vintage Blue Willow. Even though the Blue Willow pattern has a Chinese look and story, it was actually created in England in 1780 by engraver Thomas Minton. Then, Minton sold the design to potter Thomas Turner who mass-produced the pattern on earthenware. This is known as chinoiserie, basically European interpretations of Chinese decorative styles. Chinoiserie was very popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. Ultimately, many countries produced it, but it wasn’t made in China until the mid-1980s.It’s very hard to date or determine the maker of much of older Blue Willow china, as there are 400 documented makers in Great Britain and 500 worldwide. Spode was an early English maker. And Buffalo Pottery was the first cited producer in America starting in the early 1900s.All authentic patterns have a few things in commonTo be a true Blue Willow pattern it must include:willow treesChinese pine trees (commonly confused as apple or orange trees)a bridge with three men on ita fencea boata teahouse (or pagoda) andtwo birds in flight.However, there are thousands of tiny variations. For example, Japanese versions typically have plumper birds than early English patterns.Blue Willow china is an early example of transferware.When Blue Willow was created, many of the expensive Chinese pottery imports were hand-painted. Blue Willow is often cited as one of the first “transferware” prints. Transfer prints started with engravers who etched the pattern into a copper plate that was printed onto porcelain, china or earthenware. Later the pattern was transferred onto paper making it easier to cheaply mass produce.The “Blue Plate Special” which started at diners in the 1920’s typically featured a big meal for a great price, served up on a blue plate. Many believe that the preferred dish was the Blue Willow “grill plate” which had separated areas for an entree and sides. Blue Willow had a resurgence around the same time the Blue Plate Special also became popular.William Randolph Hearst had a special gold-rimmed version of Blue Willow china made for his famous castle on the California coast (so it wouldn’t be confused with the lower-cost option). It was also the preferred china pattern of Aunt Bee from “The Andy Griffth Show.” In the early days, Blue Willow inspired a comic opera, a silent movie, a children’s book and was later featured in many Westerns, to help portray the 19th century.Despite its humble reputation as “blue collar china,” some Blue Willow is worth thousands. Collectors look for rare, English-made china (1780-1820). It’s considered better quality than mass-produced versions made later in China, Japan and the U.S. Unique pieces such as covered dishes and coffee pots are also more valuable than dishes and cups.
Price: 19.95 USD
Location: Weymouth, Massachusetts
End Time: 2025-01-26T01:29:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Material: Glass
Pattern: Blue Willow
Type: Tumbler Glass
Color: Blue
