Portrait Plate Appraisal

Oval Ceramic Decorative Plate with 'Ruby Lawrence' Portrait

This item appears to be a decorative ceramic plate or platter, characterized by its smooth, glossy white surface and an oval or circular shape. The primary decorative feature is a prominently displayed, colorful transfer-printed image of a young woman resembling a traditional 'Gibson Girl' or a figure from late 18th/early 19th-century portraiture. She is depicted with a serious expression, wearing a red hat with a flowing ribbon, a light-colored top, and a long, flowing skirt with vertical stripes in shades of yellow, purple, blue, and brown. Her right arm is bent at the elbow, with her hand near her chest, while her left arm hangs down, possibly holding something obscured by her dress. The background behind her is minimalistic, featuring a hint of brown and green brushstrokes suggesting grass or earth at her feet. Below the figure, there are handwritten-style markings that appear to read "Ruby" and "Lawrence", likely indicating the artist or the title of the piece. The overall condition appears good, with no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear on the surface or the artwork, suggesting it has been well-preserved or is relatively new. The craftsmanship indicates a mass-produced decorative item, likely from the mid-to-late 20th century, given the style of the illustration and the typical production methods for such ceramic pieces. The quality of the ceramic finish is high, and the colors in the transfer print are vibrant and well-preserved.