Pastoral Scene Plate Appraisal

Latticework Decorative Plate with Pastoral Scene

This is a decorative ceramic plate, likely made of porcelain or fine china, featuring an elaborate pierce-work or latticework rim in white. The center of the plate is adorned with a colorful pastoral scene. The main image depicts two women, presumably shepherdesses, tending to a flock of sheep in a verdant landscape under a sky with hues of yellow, orange, and purple, possibly indicating sunrise or sunset. One woman is dressed in a light blue or grey dress with a pink top or apron, holding a basket of flowers, while the other wears a similar blue or grey outfit, holding a staff. Several sheep are visible around them, with at least two prominently featured in the foreground. The painting style appears to be a transfer print with some hand-painted embellishments, giving it a somewhat idealized or romanticized quality typical of late 19th to mid-20th century decorative china. A thin gold band encircles the central painted medallion, separating it from the highly intricate, openwork border. The latticework itself is precisely formed, creating a delicate, lace-like effect with repeating geometric patterns of small diamonds or quatrefoils. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious chips, cracks, or repairs visible from the image. The colors in the central scene are vibrant, suggesting good preservation. Given the 'Wako china' context, this piece is likely a product of Wako, a Japanese company known for high-quality porcelain and ceramics, often featuring decorative motifs. Such items were typically produced for ornamental display rather than functional use. The craftsmanship of the latticework suggests a good quality indicator.