AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a circular collectible display plate made of fine white porcelain. It is the first issue in the 'Lena Liu's Hummingbird Treasury' collection. The back of the plate features comprehensive black script markings, including the title 'The Ruby-throated Hummingbird,' the artist's name Lena Liu, and the manufacturing hallmark for W.S. George Fine China dated 1991. The plate is identified as Plate No. 861E and contains a Bradex Number of 84-G20-71.1. Physically, the porcelain shows a high-gloss glaze with a smooth, bright white finish. A distinguishing feature is the printed descriptive text and an artist's quote about 'an elfin player in my garden.' The plate mentions it was crafted from an original work painted on silk and was limited to a maximum of 150 firing days. In terms of condition, there are minor scuffs on the unglazed foot rim consistent with display wear, but the main body and text appear well-preserved without visible chips, cracks, or crazing. This piece represents the 1990s era of nature-themed decorative collectibles characterized by delicate craftsmanship and mass-market limited editions.

I have examined the digital images of 'The Ruby-throated Hummingbird' collector plate by Lena Liu, issued by W.S. George Fine China. Based on the documentation on the reverse, I have verified the Bradex Number (84-G20-71.1) and Plate No. 861E, which confirm its authenticity as part of the 1991 'Hummingbird Treasury' collection. The porcelain appears to be in 'Excellent' condition; the glaze maintains a high luster, and I observe no signs of 'crazing,' 'flea bites,' or structural hairline fractures. The minor scuffing on the unglazed foot rim is typical of display wear and does not detract from the primary aesthetic value. This piece remains a classic example of the 1990s nature-themed collectibles market. However, the market for such plates is currently saturated. While these were marketed as 'limited editions,' the 150-firing-day window allowed for high production volume, leading to high availability on the secondary market. Current demand is driven primarily by specialized Lena Liu collectors rather than general investors. Similar items regularly sell in the $15 to $25 range on platforms like eBay and Etsy. While the visual details are consistent with genuine W.S. George porcelain, this digital appraisal has limitations. A physical inspection would be required to verify the 'ring' of the porcelain (tonal resonance) to ensure no internal repairs exist and to check the weight and texture against known standards. Full authentication would ideally be supported by the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) and original packaging, which are not present here.