A Chinese vessel, sailing by.
A bridge with three men, sometimes four,
A willow tree, hanging o'er.
A Chinese temple, there it stands,
Built upon the river sands.
An apple tree, with apples on,
A crooked fence to end my song.
It's no secret that I have a love affair with Steampunk and a Victorian aesthetic. My husband, on the other hand, is very fond of the simple elegance of Asian (particularly Japanese-inspired) furnishings. Where do two such opposite tastes combine? Victorian Orientalism, of course.
Starting in the 18th Century, Orientalism was a term used to describe the study of the East, most usually referring pretty much to any part of the globe that wasn't Europe or the Americas, particularly China, Japan, and other parts of East Asia, but also extending to India, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. Different areas had their own, unique highpoint with European culture, leading to all sorts of cultural offerings based on a romanticized idea of that particular land. Orientalism moved waves, starting with fascination with the Middle East and India, and by the end of the 19th Century exemplified by the story of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta, The Mikado.
As an aside, the 1999 movie Topsy-Turvy deals with just that subject, focusing on the eccentricity of the author and composer, as well as the difficulty of the original cast in grasping an attempt (shocking for the era) to make the operetta in question actually Japanese in flavor, rather then classic theater tropes of the day, including ethnic stereotypes, dressed up in a new wrapper(and yes, Miss Sixpence-please did, in fact exist, although unfortunately little to nothing is known about her).
Back to China. The famous Blue Willow Pattern shown at the top, along with its famous little poem, is actually not a Chinese pattern, but was invented in Shropshire in 1780. Minor changes have been made by various makers, leading to a story sprouting up about a pair of star-crossed young lovers, who are eventually turned into the birds at the top of the plate.
Blue Willow China had a falling out of popularity in the later half of the last Century, but has now come back, stronger then ever. A lucky thing for those like myself, who enjoy the ease with which it can mix and match with virtually anything, being dressed up or down as needed.
Here are some great ideas for using blue and white china, as well as mixing Orientalist ideas into the kitchen:
Blue Willow in the Butler's Pantry via Country Living...great way to mix up themes and colors.
A great example of a more eclectic and quirky collection, compared to above. From House to Home.
Broken China Earrings...not kitchen, but I had to share.
Teapot from the Atlanta Antique Gallery
Tea Tray made with broken china at the blot Pennello Lane. This one just got added to my personal to-do list.
India Blue tablecloth at Blithe.
Tablecloth by Indian Garden Company, available at Not On The High Street.
Who says Steampunk has to be brown?
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| William McGregor Paxton, The New Necklace |
Starting in the 18th Century, Orientalism was a term used to describe the study of the East, most usually referring pretty much to any part of the globe that wasn't Europe or the Americas, particularly China, Japan, and other parts of East Asia, but also extending to India, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. Different areas had their own, unique highpoint with European culture, leading to all sorts of cultural offerings based on a romanticized idea of that particular land. Orientalism moved waves, starting with fascination with the Middle East and India, and by the end of the 19th Century exemplified by the story of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta, The Mikado.
As an aside, the 1999 movie Topsy-Turvy deals with just that subject, focusing on the eccentricity of the author and composer, as well as the difficulty of the original cast in grasping an attempt (shocking for the era) to make the operetta in question actually Japanese in flavor, rather then classic theater tropes of the day, including ethnic stereotypes, dressed up in a new wrapper(and yes, Miss Sixpence-please did, in fact exist, although unfortunately little to nothing is known about her).
Back to China. The famous Blue Willow Pattern shown at the top, along with its famous little poem, is actually not a Chinese pattern, but was invented in Shropshire in 1780. Minor changes have been made by various makers, leading to a story sprouting up about a pair of star-crossed young lovers, who are eventually turned into the birds at the top of the plate.
Blue Willow China had a falling out of popularity in the later half of the last Century, but has now come back, stronger then ever. A lucky thing for those like myself, who enjoy the ease with which it can mix and match with virtually anything, being dressed up or down as needed.
Here are some great ideas for using blue and white china, as well as mixing Orientalist ideas into the kitchen:
Blue Willow in the Butler's Pantry via Country Living...great way to mix up themes and colors.
A great example of a more eclectic and quirky collection, compared to above. From House to Home.
Broken China Earrings...not kitchen, but I had to share.
Teapot from the Atlanta Antique Gallery
Tea Tray made with broken china at the blot Pennello Lane. This one just got added to my personal to-do list.
India Blue tablecloth at Blithe.
Tablecloth by Indian Garden Company, available at Not On The High Street.
Who says Steampunk has to be brown?
5 comments:
what a fascinating idea for a blog. (i had to google steampunk!). I also have a piece of this Willow china that belonged to my grandmother. i love it because it's sentimental, versatile and old and worn looking. I've always wondered about the orientalism of the pattern because it says it was made in England on the back. thanks!
Thanks for stopping by, Deb! A friend linked me your blog, and I've been reading it with a great deal of interest.
My Willow China is newer then that (what a great heirloom!), but belonged to my mother-in-law before it came into my hands. It's such a classic look...it always makes me very happy to find others who enjoy it also!
Thanks for the link to my blog (the broken china mosaic tea tray) I'm happy to find your blog as a result and enjoying having a read!
Thanks!
I've been really enjoying your blog as well...you have some wonderful ideas that are just my style!
I want to use my Blue willow china for Thanksgiving this year with a busy Thanksgiving colors and designs in it. How can I make this work? In the past I've used white tablecloths. Thanks!
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