Wooden Poppy Plate Appraisal

Hand-Carved and Pyrographed Wooden Poppy Plate

This circular wooden plate features a central floral motif of a single large poppy bloom, meticulously rendered using a combination of relief carving and pyrography (wood burning). The plate is crafted from a single piece of dense, fine-grained wood, possibly mahogany or a similar hardwood, characterized by its deep, rich brown tones. The central poppy is finished in vibrant orange and red pigments that have been applied over the textured surface, allowing the natural wood grain and the dark burned outlines to remain visible. Surrounding the flower are intricate leaf designs with feathered edges, deeply etched into the surface to create a sense of movement. The background field exhibits a highly textured, stippled, or 'chatter' pattern, likely achieved with a gouge or punch tool, which provides a dramatic contrast to the smoother surface of the flower petals. This piece reflects an Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau influence in its organic, floral subject matter and emphasis on manual craftsmanship. The condition appears very good with no visible cracks or significant chips, displaying a gentle age-related patina and some minor softening of the colored pigments. The overall craftsmanship suggests a skilled artisan, likely from the early to mid-20th century.