I have collected Blue Willow for about 25yrs. My favorite items are the old dime

store pieces made in Japan..these have such great appeal because they are the

very dark blue and have the cute "fat" birds!! I believe the Japan pieces are the

closest to resembling Flow Blue, but are much more affordable. Blue Willow is

 one of the most popular patterns in dinnerware and has been for many many

years. It has been produced by makers world wide and actually comes in

different colors..not just blue. Other colors are red, green, brown, and multi

color patterns. If you are a new collector, be careful starting out~there are so

 many reproductions out there and many are for sale on eBay. Most sellers are

honest and do state in the auction that the item is new..but there are a few out

there who don't mind making a buck at your expense. Most old Japan willow is

marked in black or red..much of the new is marked in blue. Some of the new

even has a deceiving date added to the mark. I have never owned an old piece

 that is dated~And remember, just because the auction may say vintage..doesn't

 mean it is old. Ask questions! After collecting for so many years, I can spot a

new piece from across the room, but here are some tips for you. The newer

 pieces have a very glossy finish. The blue is more of a royal blue, the older is

 almost navy. Also, many older pieces have what is referred to as crazing..this is

a crackle effect in the glaze. Many collectors have accepted this as the norm for

 older pieces and don't consider it as damage. Condition is very important in

 collecting willow..feel the piece for any flee-bites, chips or cracks. Pass on any

 damaged pieces, there is still many more to choose from. It is getting harder to

find Blue Willow in shops, but there is always a large selection on eBay. Just be

 sure to buy from a seller with good feedback and check to see if they offer

 refunds if you aren't pleased. If the seller knows that their pieces are old, they

 should guarentee them! I do want to mention that just because the title says

 Blue Willow doesn't mean that the pattern is willow..many people call any blue

 and white pattern Blue Willow. Also, Blue Willow is not Flow Blue! Many titles

 are deceiving..look at the photos and determine for yourself that the piece is

 what you are looking for. Blue Willow is a timeless pattern, it goes well with so

 many other vintage items such as ruby red glass, cobalt glass and other patterns

 too. It can also be mixed with Flow Blue. Many collectors stick with one maker,

but some collect any and everything. Recognizing Willow is really easy..the

pattern always has 2 flying birds at the top, pagodas and a willow tree in the

center, and 3 chinamen on a bridge. There are also other unusual trees in the

pattern, but the willow is prominate. The border can differ depending on the

 maker..some even have butterflies incorporated in them.  I am adding a couple

 of photos of part of my collection~

 I hope this encourages someone to start looking for pieces today!