Ticket to China

Porcelain was created in China more than 1,000 years ago, and some of the most popular tableware patterns have been in production for centuries.

- JOE KENZ AND SANDY GARRISON

1 Blue Willow

The classic pattern was created in England in the late 1700s and is believed to be based on a Chinese legend about a young woman who fell in love with her father’s secretary. Authentic designs always contain elements from the story. In the 19 0s, the pattern was commonly used in diners, giving rise to the term “blue-plate special.” More than 500 companies have created versions of the pattern (not always in blue), and some are still made today. Pictured here is a Royal Venton Ware vegetable bowl by John Steventon and Sons Ltd., circa 1930. Worth: $10 to $35.

2 Rosenthal Sanssouci