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.

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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

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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

Here are graceful household vessels, compared with the art of which the willow pattern of the nineteenth century is a barbarism, and fabrics of which modern Manchester would not be ashamed.

From How to See the British Museum in Four Visits by Jerrold, W. Blanchard

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.

A common white-metal teapot, the heel of a half-quartern loaf, the head and tail of a herring, seen upon a blue willow pattern plate, told that the meal had not been epicurean.

From The Child Wife by Reid, Mayne

The table is set with the old-fashioned willow pattern china, quaint Sheffield silver and is unmarked by any of the small dishes of sweets that fill breakfast tables.

From Breakfasts and Teas Novel Suggestions for Social Occasions by Pierce, Paul