L291 BLUE WILLOW PORCELAIN LARGE LIDDED CANISTER SET

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LOT # 291 Detailed Photos Estate Road Show L291 BLUE WILLOW PORCELAIN LARGE LIDDED CANISTER SET Item Description We proudly offer this next fine example in our diverse group of Willow pattern items from all over the world. This pretty full set of wooden lidded canisters are from the 1980s marked Blue Willow Pantry Collection Dishwasher Microwave and oven safe - oven to table, by the Heritage MInt, Ltd. The largest 5.75" x 7.75" tall canister represents the flour, and there are sugar, coffee and tea as well. They are finished in the original Spode style pattern. The Willow pattern and its variants, often simply referred to as Blue Willow, is the single most produced porcelain / semi porcelain transfer image in history. Virtually every major English and American potter has produced Willow ware at some point. Since the perfection of the transfer under glaze printing system in 1760, and the first recorded Willow pattern (ca. 1780) by Thomas Turner of Caughley Pottery in Staffordshire, England, no less than 117 English firms, 46 American firms, and at least another 40 to 50 manufacturers from Japan & Worldwide have offered Willow as part of their arsenals. The Willow overall is so prolific, that the image is qualified by no less than (9) separate border designs, as well as (11) variations of the center well image, giving a myriad of possible combinations for the overall pattern. For a complete analysis of the different styles and dating, please see Mary Frank Gastons classic reference, Gastons Blue Willow 3rd Edition. The Willow pattern is derived from the story is of two faithful lovers. On the right hand side is the large and magnificent Chinese dwelling of a Mandarin, with rare fruit trees. His secretary, Chang, had fallen in love with the mandarin's daughter, Koong-see, and she loved in return. The mandarin, on discovering the affair, forbade the youth to come near the house on pain of death, and confined his daughter within the dwelling, also building a high wooden fence from the wall to the water's edge. He also betrothed his daughter to a rich viceroy, Ta-jin. The wedding was to take place when the peach tree would blossom in the spring. Koong-see watched with apprehension the budding of the tree, whose branches grew close to the walls of her apartment. One day half a cocoanut shell floated on the waves. She found in it a paper containing a verse. It was from Chang. He threatened suicide. Koong-see wrote an answer, The fruit you most prize will be gathered when the willow blossom droops upon the bough, and told him to come for her. In the confusion at the beginning of the ceremonies, Chang slipped into the house, and the lovers eloped, and crossed the bridge by the willow tree. The mandarin saw and pursued them, which represents the three figures on the bridge, Koong-see carrying a distaff (emblem of virginity); Chang carrying the jewel box; and the irate mandarin with a whip. Chang and Koong-see took refuge in the humble house of two of Koong-sees former servants, represented at the foot of the bridge, and were solemnly betrothed. The mandarin offered a reward for the return of his daughter and the person of Chang, consequently, Chang & Koong-see escaped in a boat, borne away on the rushing tide of the Yangtze Kiang. Chang bought an island with some of Ta-jins dowry jewels, and built their house. The island is shown on the upper left pattern with its small trees. Several years elapsed, until Chang wrote a book, which attracted the attention of Ta-jin, who with a military escort attacked the island, to seize Koong-see, and to kill Chang. Chang was run through the body and mortally wounded, and Koong-see, in despair, set fire to the house, perishing in the flames. The pitying gods now transformed Koong-see and Chang into the two immortal doves that will forever survey the scenes of their romantic lives. Retail Value Estimate: $100-$130 Condition: VG+ cond, minor wear Weight: 7lb 2oz Measurements (LxWxH): 5.75 inches x 5.75 inches x 7.75 inches Estate Road ... read more

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