willow pattern

noun

1. a decorative design in English ceramics, depicting chiefly a willow tree, small bridge, and two birds, derived from Chinese sources and introduced in approximately 1780: often executed in blue and white but sometimes in red and white.

willow pattern

noun

1. 1. a pattern incorporating a willow tree, river, bridge, and figures, typically in blue on a white ground, used on pottery and porcelain
   2. ( as modifier )

      a willow-pattern plate

Word History and Origins

Origin of willow pattern¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

There was a lot of room at the oval table; the china of dark blue willow-pattern looked pretty on the glossy cloth.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1780 he produced the celebrated “willow pattern,” and completed the first blue printed table service made in England.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, it was almost as much copied in stoneware as the "willow pattern" was in blue-printed ware.

From Project Gutenberg

Josiah Spode, about 1784, introduced his under-glaze blue "willow pattern," a copy of the Caughley pattern.

From Project Gutenberg

The willow pattern, among others, was a favourite design, and most of these printed blue plates are marked.

From Project Gutenberg