Debi Zolan "Little Wanderer" Collector Plate Appraisal
Category: Decorative Plate
Description
This is a decorative ceramic collector plate, likely made of fine china or porcelain, featuring an illustration of a young, dark-haired child in blue overalls, holding a light-colored sack or canvas bag over their shoulder, with a small, dark puppy peeking out from behind the bag. The child is barefoot and appears to be standing on a wooden boardwalk or bridge, with wooden railings visible in the background. The art style is realistic with soft brushstrokes and a muted color palette, giving it a nostalgic and heartwarming feel. The plate features a signature in the lower left quadrant that appears to read "Zolan," strongly suggesting it is a creation by the renowned artist Debi Zolan, known for her tender depictions of children. The plate has a smooth, glossy finish typical of decorative plates. No visible chips, cracks, or significant wear are immediately apparent from the image, indicating it is in good to excellent condition. The quality of the illustration is high, with good detail in the facial features of the child and the fur of the puppy. The plate is displayed on a simple wooden stand, which is not part of the item itself but supports its presentation. Given the artist and common themes for collector plates, it likely dates from the late 20th or early 21st century. The craftsmanship appears to be of collectible grade, typical for limited edition or series plates.
Appraisal Report
Upon visual examination of the provided image, I assess this Debi Zolan 'Little Wanderer' collector plate to be in good to excellent condition, with no overt chips, cracks, or significant wear visible. The glossy finish and vibrant illustration appear well-preserved. The signature 'Zolan' is clearly discernible, lending strong credence to its authenticity as a work by Debi Zolan, an artist highly recognized for her sentimental depictions of children on collector plates. Collector plates, including those by prominent artists like Zolan, generally cater to a niche market. While popular in the late 20th century, the overall market for decorative collector plates has seen a decline in recent years, impacting secondary market values. However, plates by well-known artists with compelling imagery, particularly in excellent condition, still retain some value. Comparables for other Debi Zolan plates in similar condition often range from $20 to $50 on various online marketplaces, though unique or very rare issues can sometimes command slightly more. Demand for specific Zolan plates varies, but 'Little Wanderer' is a relatively common and well-known piece. Its rarity is limited as it was produced as a collector's edition. Factors impacting value include the artist's enduring appeal, the plate's condition, and its aesthetic quality. The lack of visible damage is a positive. It is crucial to note the limitations of this appraisal based solely on an image. While authenticity strongly suggested by the signature and artistic style, a definitive verification would require in-person examination to inspect manufacturer marks (e.g., Bradex number, edition size, year of issue) on the reverse, assess the porcelain quality tactilely, and verify the signature's authenticity under magnification. Provenance documentation, such as original certificates of authenticity, would further bolster its value and confirm its edition details. Without physical inspection, I cannot confirm the absence of minute flaws or confirm if it is a first-edition plate or part of a limited series.
Appraisal Value
$25-50