W.S. George 'The Ruby-throated Hummingbird' Collector Plate by Lena Liu

This is a fine porcelain collector plate titled 'The Ruby-throated Hummingbird,' which is the first issue in the 'Lena Liu's Hummingbird Treasury' collection. The plate is circular with a white porcelain body and features a smooth, glazed finish on the reverse. The back displays extensive black script detailing the artwork's origin, including the artist Lena Liu's signature and a personal note describing the subject. It was produced by W.S. George Fine China in 1991, as indicated by the copyright mark. The plate is identified as Plate No. 861 E. According to the inscription, the original artwork was painted on silk, and the production of these plates was strictly limited to a maximum of 150 firing days. Physically, the porcelain appears in excellent condition with a crisp, clean foot rim and no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The hallmark includes a Bradex number, confirming its status as a registered collectible. The craftsmanship is high, utilizing faithful color pigments intended for decorative use only, as noted by the 'not for food use' warning. This piece represents typical early 1990s decorative porcelain collectibles, characterized by soft romanticism and naturalistic themes.

I have examined the digital images and description of the W.S. George collector plate, 'The Ruby-throated Hummingbird' by Lena Liu. Based on my visual assessment, the plate appears to be in excellent condition, showing no signs of chips, cracks, or restoration. The glaze remains vibrant, and the foot rim is exceptionally clean, suggesting it has been stored or displayed carefully. The backstamp provides all necessary markers for authenticity, including the Bradex number (84-G20-71.1) and the hand-numbered edition (861 E). However, the market for 1990s porcelain collector plates is currently saturated. While the artistry of Lena Liu remains admired for its romantic aesthetic, these pieces were produced in high volumes—limited by 150 firing days, which typically results in tens of thousands of units. Consequently, the supply far exceeds current secondary market demand. Realized auction prices for similar issues in the 'Hummingbird Treasury' series consistently fall within the $15 to $25 range, often trending toward the lower end unless the original certificate of authenticity (COA) and box are included. Final authentication via image has limitations. To confirm there are no microscopic 'flea bites' or surface scratches, a physical inspection with a 10x loupe is necessary. Furthermore, while the hallmark appears genuine, scientific testing of the pigment composition cannot be performed remotely. A full valuation would also require the presence of the original matching paperwork to achieve the higher end of the estimated value range. This item should be valued as a decorative collectible rather than a high-appreciating investment piece.