Two pigeons flying high, Chinese vessel in the sky, Weeping willow hanging o'er, Bridge with three men if not four, Chinese temple here it stands, Seems to cover all the land, Apple tree with apples on, A pretty fence to end my song. (Author unknown)
The Story of Blue Willow
Almost everyone is familiar with the popular pattern depicted above. It has been produced by many companies, for many years. But what is the story behind the pattern? While leafing through an old encyclopedia, 1927 edition, came across this beautiful yet tragic “Story of the Willow Pattern Plate”. I am going to share it with you now.
A beautiful Chinese girl named Koon-Shee fell in love with her father’s secretary Chang, who was a poor man. The father of Koon-Shee wanted her to marry a rich man, and because she would not give up Chang, her father sent her away to a little house at the end of the garden.
Outside Koon-Shee’s window was a willow tree, and just beyond a fruit tree, and Koong-Shee sat all day watching it bloom. She was very lonely and unhappy until one day Chang wrote and asked her to flee with him. Chang dared not post the letter lest it should fall into the hands of Koong-Shee’s father. He found a coconut shell, fixed a sail to it, and putting his letter inside the shell, dropped it into the lake, and watched it sail across to where Koong-Shee was watching.
Koong-Shee read the letter and sent her answer back. She said she would go if her lover was brave enough to come and fetch her.
Chang went boldly up to the house and took her away. They had to cross the bridge to get out of the garden, and when they were half way across Koon-Shee’s father saw them, and hurried after them. Koon-Shee went first, followed by her servant and Chang followed carrying her jewel box, and behind them ran the father carrying a whip. But the father did not catch them, and they escaped to a little house on the other side of the lake where they lived happily for some time.
Unfortunately this story has a tragic ending. The wealthy man who wanted to marry Koong-Shee was so angry that he set fire to the pretty little house and the lovers were killed.
Now have a closer look at the famous pattern. Do you see the tragic story of Koong-Shee and Chang?
Here’s a newer version of Blue Willow by American Atelier that was recently available in our eBay store.
We often offer both vintage and contemporary pieces in this popular pattern for sale. Click here to browse through our eBay store.
Bear Crossing 