Spode Chinese Willow Lidded Comport with Dual Handles
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- Willow Pattern - Although several potteries including Minton and Spode claim credit for design of the Willow pattern, the design is generally attributed to Thomas Turner of Caughley Porcelain Works in Shropshire, about 1780.
Whilst borrowing from the Chinese style, it was not a copy of a Chinese pattern.
The blue-and-white chinaware on which it appeared became immensely popular and the design was reproduced with variations by many English and European factories including Royal Worcester, Spode, Adams, Wedgwood, Davenport, Clews, Leeds and Swansea.
It was even copied in Asia, where it is still produced, with the wares being exported to Western countries.
The pattern portrays the garden of a rich mandarin whose young daughter elopes with his secretary. The lovers, overtaken on the bridge by her father, are transformed by the gods into birds and flutter beyond his reach. The scene with its willow tree usually covers the central part of a plate, dish, or bowl, with a border of butterflies, a fret, or other motif.
Traditional Willow pattern is in cobalt blue on white, though very occasionally other colours are used, such as purple or brown. The main part of the object contains the trees, houses, bridge, figures, and birds of the story and there is usually a fairly abstract pattern around the extremities. - Comport - A comport is a type of decorative serving dish or bowl, typically used for desserts, fruits or other sweet treats. The comport is usually made from glass, silver or porcelain, which are materials known for their elegance and durability. They are often beautifully designed and decorated, and can be used as an elegant and decorative centerpiece for a table or dining room. They are also widely used as a decorative piece on the mantelpiece, sideboard, or other areas of the house.
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