Wentworth China 'Petit Point' Pattern 7701 Porcelain Plate

This item is the underside of a fine porcelain plate manufactured by Wentworth China in Japan. The plate is constructed from translucent white china with a smooth, glazed finish. The base features a defined circular foot rim that shows some light shelf wear and minor darkening characteristic of age. The most prominent feature is the centralized backstamp, which includes the brand name 'WENTWORTH CHINA' in an arched black font, set above a laurel wreath tied with a small orange bow. Below this, the word 'JAPAN' is visible, along with a registered trademark symbol. The pattern name 'PETIT POINT' is displayed inside a stylized orange banner, followed by the specific pattern number '7701'. This design typically dates to the mid-20th century, likely from the 1950s or 1960s, reflecting the post-WWII era of Japanese ceramic exports. The craftsmanship appears consistent with mid-range decorative tableware of the period. Visible condition issues are minimal, including a few faint surface scratches and slight discoloration on the foot rim, but the glaze remains lustrous and the backstamp is crisp and well-preserved.

Based on my visual examination of the Wentworth China 'Petit Point' Pattern 7701 backstamp and plate base, I find the piece to be an authentic example of mid-20th-century Japanese ceramic exportware. The mark—featuring the brand name, laurel wreath, and pattern registration—is consistent with manufacturing techniques from the 1950s and 1960s. The 'Petit Point' pattern is a classic floral transferware style that catered to Western markets during the post-WWII era. The condition appears to be 'Excellent' to 'Near Mint,' with minimal shelf wear on the foot rim and a well-preserved glaze. While these plates were produced with high-quality translucent porcelain, they were manufactured in significant quantities for the middle-market consumer. Currently, the market for mid-century Japanese china is saturated, and collector interest is primarily focused on complete sets rather than individual bread-and-butter or dinner plates. Rare pieces like tureens or platters in this pattern may command higher prices, but standard plates typically realize $10 to $25 at retail. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to check for microscopic 'flea bites' or hairline fractures under UV light. A full authentication would require physical handling to assess the 'ring' of the porcelain and a review of provenance to confirm it is not a later reproduction. However, given the price point, the cost of scientific testing would exceed the item's market value.