The blue willow pattern has been used extensively by potters all over the world, shortly after transfer printing was first developed. It is a Chinoiserie design containing a willow tree, a temple, two love birds in flight, a bridge with either two or three people crossing it, and a boat set in an Asian, exotic or distant land. Antique blue willow probably originated with Thomas Minton c1780 for the Caughley pottery in Shropshire, England. The blue willow design was extensively used in Staffordshire, and eventually it was even copied in China. Several stories have been invented attempting to explain the significance of this pattern. One myth says that two lovers are running across the bridge fleeing from a disapproving father. The lovers then escape in a boat to an island. The blue willow design is still being used today.

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