willow pattern

American  

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 British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of willow pattern

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

willow pattern

Now it is with no intention of directing the public eye to the "willow pattern," that I have alluded to this circumstance.

From Nuts and Nutcrackers by Lever, Charles James

The blue willow pattern stoneware cups and the blue and white Japanese ware are very suitable for this purpose.

From Science in the Kitchen. by Kellogg, Mrs. E. E.

The dresser was covered with crockery and pipkins, willow pattern plates, and tea-cups and mugs.

From The Tailor of Gloucester by Potter, Beatrix

Ruby Kingsley.—We cannot continue giving space for repeating the story of the willow pattern.

From The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. VIII, No. 355, October 16, 1886 by Peters, Charles

You saw the shining of pure white damask, the flashing of silver, a flower-bed of blue willow pattern cups, an enormous pink and white cake.

From Mary Olivier: a Life by Sinclair, May