AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a fine porcelain collector’s plate viewed from the reverse side. The plate is circular with a smooth white glazed finish. Centered on the back is comprehensive black typography identifying the piece as 'The Ruby-throated Hummingbird' by artist Lena Liu. It is the first issue in the 'Lena Liu's Hummingbird Treasury' collection, produced under the W. S. George Fine China brand. The plate features a specific hand-numbered plate code '8611E' and a Bradex number of '84-G20-71.1'. The text notes the artwork was originally painted on silk and the edition was limited to a maximum of 150 firing days. A printed poetic inscription by the artist and her signature are also present. The plate appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, though a slight circular shadow or patina is visible around the inner rim from storage or display. The craftsmanship is indicative of late 20th-century decorative collectibles, specifically dated 1992 based on its production series. A safety warning at the bottom indicates the piece is for decorative use only and not for food service due to metallic pigments.

I have completed a visual examination of the reverse of 'The Ruby-throated Hummingbird' collector's plate by artist Lena Liu. The plate, issued in 1992 as part of the Hummingbird Treasury collection, is consistent with the manufacturing standards of W. S. George Fine China. Based on the provided imagery, the item appears to be in excellent condition, showing no signs of chips, cracks, or significant crazing. The hand-written plate number '8611E' and the Bradex number '84-G20-71.1' confirm its position within a high-volume, mass-produced series. The secondary market for 1990s-era porcelain collector plates is currently saturated, leading to low scarcity. While Lena Liu is a respected artist known for her work on silk, the high production volume (limited to 150 firing days) keeps the valuation modest. Current market trends show these pieces typically trade at prices significantly below their original retail cost, primarily appealing to niche topical collectors. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to physically inspect the obverse side for surface scratches or use a 'ping' test to identify internal structural fractures. Furthermore, while the hallmarks appear authentic, definitive authentication would require a tactile examination of the porcelain body and verification of original packaging or certificates of authenticity. For insurance purposes, the estimated replacement value reflects current auction and secondary marketplace realized prices for verified examples in similar condition.