1978 Goebel Fourth Edition Mothers Series Plate in Bas Relief (The Roe Deer)

This is a vintage 1978 collector's plate featuring a mother roe deer and her fawn, produced by the renowned German manufacturer Goebel as part of their annual 'Mothers Series'. This specific item is the Fourth Edition in that series. The plate is constructed from porcelain and features a 'bas-relief' design, meaning the central motif of the deer is sculpted in low relief, giving it a three-dimensional, tactile quality. The artwork is finished in warm, naturalistic earth tones of brown, tan, and cream, accented by the white spots of the fawn. The plate is housed in its original square cardboard presentation box, which features blue typography and a corresponding illustration. The Goebel logo—the characteristic 'V' with a bumblebee—is prominent on the box, indicating high craftsmanship and 20th-century German manufacturing heritage. Regarding condition, the box shows visible signs of age and storage, including creasing on the left side, corner bumping, and hand-written markings (the word 'Wall' in blue ink). The plate itself appears well-protected within, though a full inspection for crazing or chips would be required. This piece represents a popular mid-to-late 20th-century collectible trend, combining wildlife art with functional ceramic sculpture.