Willow pattern Chinese dish with matching lid.

Willow pattern Chinese dish with matching lid.

Dish in the Willow pattern, Spode, c. 1800. Transferprinted earthenware; 7 ¾ by 13 ½ inches.

A tale of star crossed lovers.

An “ancient Chinese pattern” invented by an Englishman in the 1790s; an ancient Chinese legend fabricated in the 1840s by English-speaking busybodies.

These are elements of the baggage that accompanies—and perhaps helped to create—the most popular china pattern in modern history.

I assume this was made Circa 1900.

Preowned in very good condition. No repairs, or crazing. There does appear to be a tiny chip as shown in photos.