Blue Willow Pattern Transferware Soup Bowl

This is a classic ceramic soup or pasta bowl featuring the iconic Blue Willow pattern, a Chinoiserie design that gained immense popularity in late 18th-century England and remains a staple of ceramic history. The bowl is constructed from white earthenware or ironstone with a deep cobalt blue underglaze transfer print. The central medallion depicts the traditional narrative elements: a large pagoda to the right, a smaller teahouse to the left, a weeping willow tree, three figures on a bridge, and a boat on the water, all topped by two doves in flight representing lovers. The wide, flared rim is ornately decorated with a complex border featuring geometric fretwork, stylized scrolling, and butterfly motifs. Measuring approximately 8 to 9 inches in diameter, the piece shows a high-gloss glaze typical of mid-to-late 20th-century reproductions or vintage pieces. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips or cracks, though close inspection might reveal light surface scratches or minor firing pinholes common in transferware. While no maker's mark is visible from this angle, the crispness of the transfer suggests a quality manufacturer such as Johnson Brothers, Churchill, or Spode. Its timeless aesthetic makes it a quintessential example of English dinnerware.