Handicraft Plate Appraisal

Decorative Hand-Painted Ceramic Plate with Floral Motif

This is a circular decorative ceramic plate featuring an intricate, hand-painted floral design. The plate has a central field of a sandy beige or light tan color, upon which the primary floral arrangement is depicted. This arrangement consists of two prominent red or deep pink rose-like flowers, centrally located, surrounded by a lush array of green foliage and smaller, unspecified filler patterns in dark green and lighter green hues. The brushwork appears deliberate and somewhat opaque, suggesting a folk-art or traditional decorative painting style. Surrounding the central floral motif is a broad rim, approximately 2-3 inches wide, painted in a dark, muted blue. This blue rim is adorned with a continuous, scrolling acanthus leaf or similar baroque-style floral/foliate pattern rendered in a lighter, almost silver or pale blue color, creating a striking contrast with the darker background. The edge of the plate is defined by a thin, dark line. The overall construction appears to be ceramic, possibly earthenware or stoneware, with a glossy glaze applied over the painted decoration, which would protect the artwork and provide a smooth, somewhat reflective surface. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant abrasions on the front surface, suggesting good preservation, although the lighting makes it difficult to assess the exact condition of the glaze for crazing or minor scratches. The colors chosen – muted blues, greens, reds, and a sandy background – lend themselves to a traditional or perhaps rustic aesthetic, reminiscent of European peasant art or regional ceramics. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with attention to detail in the painted patterns. The style hints at a mid-20th century or earlier origin, but without maker's marks, precise dating is challenging. The plate likely served a purely decorative purpose, given its detailed artistry.