The Blue Willow plate pattern, since Thomas Minton's artistic creativity in 1780 and Spode's expansion of the pottery line, has been translated and reimagined into multiple works of art including teaware, dinnerware place settings, fabrics, wallpaper, decorative urns and pitchers and more. Recently, someone shared a Blue Willow pattern puzzle with me.One never knows what story will be created or derived from Grandma’s favorite china pattern. Immediately popular in the 18th Century, who knew that it would intrigue people for centuries? Rev. Hilderic Friend, an intellectual, author and missionary in China, wove together the Blue Willow plate story with historical relevance and illustrations. Cultural norms and verbiage change over time but the Blue Willow story continues to captivate readers (and collectors).