Elsa Skold Appraisal

Hand-Painted Heart-Shaped Porcelain Nappy Dish by Elsa Skold, 1965

This is a vintage heart-shaped porcelain dish, commonly referred to as a nappy or candy dish, featuring a small loop handle at the top. The piece measures approximately 5 to 6 inches in width and is constructed of white glazed vitreous porcelain. It features a hand-painted floral motif in the center, consisting of a large multi-toned cabbage rose in hues of coral and yellow, accompanied by purple pansies, small yellow blossoms, and green foliage with a blue ribbon accent. The outer rim and the handle spine are delicately accented with a hand-applied green pinstripe. Based on provided documentation, this item was handmade/decorated by Elsa Skold in 1965, reflecting the mid-20th-century hobbyist porcelain painting movement which emphasized delicate floral naturalism. The craftsmanship shows high attention to detail in the brushwork, particularly within the shading of the rose petals. The condition appears excellent with a high-gloss finish, no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, and the enamel pigments remain vibrant with negligible surface wear. This piece serves as a fine example of mid-century personalized ceramic art.