Etched Bee Charger Appraisal

Cobalt Blue Glass Charger Plate with Etched Bee Decorative Motif

This is a circular charger plate or large service plate crafted from vibrant cobalt blue translucent glass. The most prominent feature is a series of eight frosted, acid-etched or sandblasted designs depicting honeybees, arranged symmetrically around the outer well of the plate. The glass is moderately thick with a smoothed, fire-polished rim, typical of high-quality mid-century or contemporary art glass. The color is deep and consistent throughout the body. Regarding condition, there is a very obvious, large horizontal linear scratch or crack visible near the center of the plate, which significantly impacts the surface integrity and aesthetic value. Small surface abrasions and dust are also present, suggesting it has been stored without protective wrapping. The style is reminiscent of French or American decorative glass from the late 20th century, often associated with brands that favor insect motifs like La Rochère, though the absence of a visible hallmark makes a definitive attribution difficult. The craftmanship is evident in the precision of the insect stencils and the richness of the cobalt saturation.