Perhaps one of the most well known and enduring patterns in British ceramics, the “Willow” pattern was developed in England in the late 18th century due to our obsession with the East, its art, stories and lifestyle.
The “Willow” pattern is also unique as it has a story created alongside it, with each element present in the design no matter the maker or interpretation. It starts with a wealthy Mandarin man who bans a marriage between his daughter and a lowly clerk, locking her behind a high (zig zag as shown here) fence so she cannot leave. However the lovers cannot bear to be parted and plan to steal the man’s jewels and run across the bridge (shown here with 3 figures) , they escape via the boat as you can see! This cannot last however and they are captured by guards, the clerk is killed and, completely heartbroken, the daughter sets the man’s home alight and perishes also. Moved by this tragedy, the gods transform their souls into the two doves you can see at the top of the design.
These particular soup bowls were produced by Fenton Porcelain in a green colour palette, which is much rarer to come by. They have a beautiful wide rim, with a shallower bowl, specially designed for soup. The Fenton makers mark is present to the back, with each bowl measuring at approximately 9” in diameter. They are in good overall condition for their age with no chips or cracks present.
If you find the beauty in history and have a secret soft spot for romance, these may be a perfect addition to your kitchen!
