Ceramic Bowl or Plate with "Blair Roy Handpainted" Mark Appraisal
Category: Ceramics
Description
This is the bottom view of a ceramic bowl or plate. The item appears to be made of earthenware or a similar porous ceramic material, indicated by the dark discoloration and staining visible around the foot rim. The main body of the item is a pale, likely off-white or cream color. The foot rim itself is rough and unglazed on the bottom, showing signs of significant wear and accumulated dirt or grime. There is a blue underglaze mark in the center of the base. The mark is circular and includes text as well as a floral or decorative motif. The text above the motif appears to read "Blair Roy". Below the motif, the text appears to read "Handpainted". The handpainted nature of the decoration implies a level of craftsmanship. The overall appearance suggests a well-used or aged piece with visible condition issues primarily centered around the unglazed foot rim. The staining around the base could be indicative of moisture absorption.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided image of the bottom of this ceramic bowl or plate with the "Blair Roy Handpainted" mark, I can offer the following assessment. The most significant factor affecting value immediately apparent is the visible condition issues, particularly the heavy staining and discoloration around the unglazed foot rim, which suggests significant use and potential moisture absorption or damage. The mark appears to be a legitimate underglaze mark associated with the Blair Roy pottery, known for decorative handpainted earthenware. The handpainted aspect is a positive factor, indicating a degree of craftsmanship beyond mass production. However, without seeing the front or the entirety of the decoration, it is difficult to fully assess the artistic quality and overall appeal, which are key value drivers for decorative ceramics. The general market for Blair Roy pottery is not typically in the high-value range, often sitting within the mid-range for collectable ceramics. Comparables for damaged or significantly stained pieces of Blair Roy are typically quite low due to the abundance of similar decorative wares on the secondary market. Demand for this specific type of item is moderate. Rarity is difficult to ascertain from this view alone; while the decoration might be unique as handpainted, the form itself is likely common. Factors significantly impacting value here are primarily the condition issues. To definitively authenticate this piece and provide a more precise appraisal, I would require a physical examination to assess the severity of the staining and any potential structural damage, the feel of the glaze and body, and a thorough examination of the front and overall decoration. Provenance documentation linking the piece to its origin would also add significant value. Scientific testing could potentially analyze the composition of the clay or glaze if authenticity were seriously in question, though this is generally not necessary for pieces of this likely value range.
Appraisal Value
$15-30