Game Bird Plate Appraisal

Hand-Painted Porcelain Game Bird Plate

This is a finely crafted hand-painted porcelain cabinet plate featuring a detailed game bird, specifically a woodcock, as its central motif. The plate is constructed from high-quality white porcelain with a scalloped or fluted edge, characteristic of late 19th-century to early 20th-century European craftsmanship, likely of Limoges (French) or German origin. The central scene displays an original hand-painted depiction of a bird in its natural marshland habitat, utilizing a palette of earth tones including ochre, sienna, and forest green, set against a soft blue and atmospheric sky. The rim is embellished with embossed architectural or floral motifs highlighted with gilded accents, which exhibit minor age-appropriate wear but remain largely intact. According to the provided context, the item is an original hand-painted piece in excellent condition, showing no visible cracks, chips, or significant crazing in the glaze. The artisanal quality of the feather detail and the soft blended background suggest a skilled professional decorator rather than amateur work. Measuring approximately 8 to 10 inches in diameter, this plate represents the Victorian and Edwardian interest in sporting and nature-themed decorative arts, often used for display in formal dining rooms or libraries.