Booths - Servizio da tè (14) - Terracotta - Real Old Willow

Booths – "Real Old Willow" A8025 Tea Service (14 Pieces) – England, Circa 1930

Offered here is a charming and highly collectible tea service by the celebrated English pottery manufacturer Booths, featuring the iconic "Real Old Willow" A8025 pattern. Dating from approximately the 1930s, this elegant set beautifully combines the timeless appeal of traditional Willow scenery with rich cobalt blue decoration and luxurious hand-applied gilding.

The famous Willow pattern, inspired by the romantic Chinese legend of two lovers transformed into birds, is one of the most enduring and recognisable designs in ceramic history. Each piece is adorned with finely detailed landscapes featuring pagodas, bridges, birds, trees and waterside scenes, framed by deep cobalt borders enriched with intricate geometric motifs and shimmering gold accents.

The quality of Booths craftsmanship is evident throughout the service. The vivid cobalt blue decoration remains remarkably vibrant, while the scalloped forms and gilded rims create a striking visual presence. The combination of deep blue transferware, elegant gilding and refined shaping makes this pattern one of the most sought-after interpretations of the classic Willow design.

Contents (14 Pieces):

6 Tea Cups

6 Matching Saucers

1 Milk Jug

1 Sugar Bowl

Approximate Dimensions:

Milk Jug: 11.5 cm

Sugar Bowl: 10.5 cm diameter × 6 cm high

Saucers : 14 cm diameter

Condition: Presented in very good antique condition overall. The set displays beautifully with strong colours and well-preserved decoration. There is light age-related wear and minor rubbing to the gilt edging consistent with age and careful use. The milk jug shows a small blemish visible on close inspection (pictured). This appears to be a production-related glaze imperfection rather than damage and does not detract from the overall presentation of the piece. No significant cracks, repairs or restorations were observed.

As shown in Photo 10, some pieces have slightly softer transfer decoration than others. This is a normal characteristic of antique ceramics and is consistent with the age of the set. It is not damage or a defect and is barely noticeable in normal display.

A wonderful example of early 20th-century English ceramic artistry, showcasing one of Booths' most celebrated and enduring patterns. An elegant and increasingly desirable set for collectors of Booths pottery, Willow pattern ceramics and fine English tea ware.

Maker: Booths, England
Pattern: Real Old Willow A8025
Date: Circa 1930
Pieces: 14
Material: Fine English pottery with cobalt blue transfer decoration and hand-applied gilt accents

A striking and decorative Booths tea service that perfectly captures the beauty, craftsmanship and timeless appeal of the famous Real Old Willow pattern.