Antique English Blue Willow Platter – 20” Giant Serving Dish with Light Blue Transferware

Antique English Blue Willow Platter – 20” Giant Serving Dish with Light Blue Transferware

Step into the storybook pages of English china tradition with this magnificent 20-inch antique Blue Willow platter—a true giant of the genre and a glorious nod to centuries of romantic legend, Sunday roasts, and timeless English refinement.

Crafted in England during the late 19th or early 20th century (c.1880-1920), this oversized serving piece showcases the beloved Blue Willow pattern in a charming, lighter blue transfer—more ethereal and painterly than the traditional cobalt versions. The faded palette gives it an almost toile-like softness, lending a touch of gentility to its bold size.

The Blue Willow pattern, of course, is more than just scenery—it’s a tale. Said to have been inspired by an old Chinese fable (filtered through the romantic imagination of English potters), the design tells of two star-crossed lovers transformed into doves, fleeing from an arranged marriage and a furious father across a dreamy riverside landscape of pagodas, bridges, and willow trees. While the story is more poetic invention than ancient truth, the pattern became wildly popular across Britain by the late 1700s, embraced for its blend of Eastern mystique and Georgian elegance.

This particular platter was likely meant for grand dining tables—roast goose, carved ham, or even an enormous steamed pudding. It would have graced a countryside manor or perhaps been reserved for special occasions in a fine city townhouse. Despite its age, the transfer remains wonderfully crisp in places, with the fading lending an almost watercolor softness that only comes from decades of gentle use and proud display. There is one worn spot in the glaze (visible in the center foreground), a sign of genuine age and history—consider it a beauty mark of time well lived

Whether you display it on a sideboard, hang it on the wall, or serve up a proper Sunday roast, this platter is more than just a dish—it’s a storyteller, a history-keeper, and a slice of English charm you’ll treasure for years to come.

The only place I've ever seen blue and white chinoiserie platters this size was in Round Top… and you wouldn't even believe me if I told you how much they were😱

It measures 20.5” wide

This platter along with the two other blue and white chinoiserie platters were sent from England to the auction where I acquired them. They were well loved and obviously cherished.i was over the moon to get them💙

Pieces like this are why I love Sourcing the South and the great state of Texas for vintage and antique heirloom estate decor…shopping estate sales, online auctions, charity thrift stores, and antique malls to carefully curate a collection of fantastic finds that have and will stand the test of time.

$527 INCLUDES SHIPPING in the continental US.

Also available at our storefront located at 3103 RM 1869 in Liberty Hill, TX

🩷Vintage and antique items have some wear associated with years of age and use, adding to their overall charm. Please see all the pictures, which are considered part of the description.

🚚Hawaii and Alaska residents, please contact me for a shipping quote🚚

🛍️All Sales As-Is and Final. We don’t accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations🛍️