There were quite specific design transfers, such as the acanthus leaf to the East and the dragon and willow-pattern and mango feature to the West.

The name of the willow-pattern plate is given to the design because the flight of the lovers took place during the season when the willow begins to shed its leaves.

It's like drifting through the serenity of a willow-pattern plate as people with tanned limbs crouch in bamboo hats on skinny plinths over the waters.

The oak dresser, with its rows of plain and willow-patterned plates and jugs of many shapes and colours, shone so brightly that every aspect of the room could be viewed in it.

The whole place gleamed with cleanliness from the willow-patterned china on the Welsh dresser which dominated one wall, to the big brass fender around the cast iron grate.