The Willow pattern is a distinctive pattern used on ceramic and porcelain kitchenware and houseware. It was originally designed by Thomas Minton in about 1790, and has remained popular ever since. The pattern uses Chinese motifs, which were fashionable in England at the time it was designed. Several versions of a poem and story about two separated Chinese lovers exist, explaining the images used in Willow China but no one knows for sure if the story is true. Bring this beautiful and highly collectible pattern into your life by purchasing one of these lovely pieces.