For more than 200 years Churchill Blue Willow has graced the finest tables in the World. It is the worlds most popular pattern in the history of Dinnerware. There is a legend behind this design "Once upon a time there lived a very wealthy mandarin who had a beautiful daughter named Hong Shee, who fell in love with her fathers sectretary, a man named Chang. To keep them apart, the mandarin imprisoned his daughter in the palace. One day she escaped, and the two lovers raced over the bridge to the waiting boat, with the mandarin in pursuit, they managed to elude the mandarin, reach the boat, and sail away. A storm developed, the boat foundered and the couple were lost at sea. It is said that the two love birds appeared immediately after-the spirits of Hong Shee and Chang." To represent elements of the legend, traditional Willow has several prominent features a tea house with a pavilion on the right. An Orange tree stands behind. A willow tree dominates the centre. In front of the willow is a bridge with three people. A boat with a person in it appears top left with another building and tree. And of course the two love birds face each other at the top.You today can enjoy the history by using Willow in a formal or casual setting. This vintage feel is applied to the Four 10" Dinner plates in the set for 4. Manufactured in fine English Earthenware, Blue Willow Dinnerware products are both Microwave & Dishwasher safe. This collection is endorsed by Churchill China with its 200 years of history in the manufacture of dinnerware for the home.