Blue Willow Bowl Appraisal

Blue and White Willow Pattern Bowl

The item is a small, round ceramic bowl or deep saucer, likely made of earthenware or porcelain, featuring the classic blue and white 'Willow Pattern' design. The predominant colors are deep cobalt blue against an off-white or cream background, applied with what appears to be transfer print decoration. The pattern depicts a stylized Chinese landscape scene with common elements such as a three-story pagoda structure, a bridge with three figures, a boat, an apple tree, and two doves or swallows in flight at the top. The border of the bowl is also decorated with a geometric pattern, often referred to as a 'fret' or 'cell' border, interspersed with smaller elements resembling houses or pagodas. The bowl has a smooth, glazed finish, typical of dinnerware. Its size is suitable for a small serving dish, perhaps for a side item, soup, or a dessert. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear marks, suggesting it is in good to excellent condition. The glazing appears intact and uniform. Without handling the item, it is difficult to determine manufacturing marks, but the quality of the transfer print seems clear and well-defined, indicating reasonable craftsmanship. The Willow Pattern was popularized in the late 18th century and has been continuously produced by various manufacturers up to the present day, making precise dating without a maker's mark challenging. However, the slightly muted tones of blue might suggest an earlier production, though this is speculative. The pattern itself is a hallmark of Chinoiserie style, a European interpretation of Chinese aesthetic traditions.