"Blue Willow"

     First imported to Europe from China by the Portuguese in the 16^th century, the popularity of Blue-and-White porcelain spread quickly to the Netherlands and England by the early 17^th century. With the emergence of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), export to the west swelled as newly decorated china grew in equal abundance. The most famous of the exported patterns was the Blue Willow pattern, developed collaboratively between the Chinese and the Brits. The teacup shown in the photo was produced with the Blue Willow design.
     As the export trade in Blue-and-White dishes grew from China, Europeans demanded more familiar pieces such as mugs, pitchers and candlesticks. These items were not known to the Chinese, so silver and probably wooden prototypes were sent by the Europeans to Chinese potters to copy in porcelain.
     As porcelain factories sprang up in Europe in the early eighteenth century, demand for Chinese exports diminished. However, when America entered into trade with China in the late 1700's, the export trade was reborn. By the late 19^th century, Chinese porcelains, especially Blue-and-White, were looked upon nostalgically as they epitomized the colonial era. Chinese porcelains have grown in popularity with connoisseurs indicating a new antiquarian interest in America’s past.