Taylor, Smith & Taylor 'Ever Yours Boutonnière' Bowl

This is a ceramic bowl, likely part of a dinnerware set, produced by Taylor, Smith & Taylor in their 'Ever Yours Boutonnière' pattern. The bowl features a classic, gently curved profile with an unornamented rim. It is constructed from a lightweight, off-white or cream-colored ceramic material, probably earthenware or semi-vitreous china, characteristic of mid-20th-century American dinnerware. The primary decorative element is a stylized floral motif centrally located on the interior bottom of the bowl. This motif depicts a single delicate flower, resembling a carnation or similar bloom, rendered in soft hues of light blue-green for the petals and a subtle pinkish-red for the center, surrounded by slender, dark green stems or leaves. The execution of the decal or transfer print appears clean and well-defined. The surface is finished with a glossy glaze, which reflects light evenly, suggesting good preservation of the original finish. There are no immediately visible chips, cracks, or significant crazing, though a thorough inspection would require handling. The overall condition appears to be very good, with minimal signs of wear from use or age. The 'Ever Yours' line by Taylor, Smith & Taylor was popular during the mid-20th century, likely dating this piece to the 1950s or 1960s. The 'Boutonnière' pattern specifically references the small floral decoration, indicating a timeless yet understated aesthetic. The simplicity of the form combined with the gentle floral accent speaks to the mid-century modern design sensibilities, prioritizing functionality with a touch of elegance. The craftsmanship suggests standard production quality for its era, designed for everyday or semi-formal dining.

Upon visual examination of the provided image, this item is identified as a single bowl from the 'Ever Yours Boutonnière' dinnerware line by Taylor, Smith & Taylor, a popular American manufacturer from the mid-20th century. The piece appears to be in very good condition, with the 'Boutonnière' decal looking crisp and the glaze intact. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant crazing, which is a positive factor for its value. The design is characteristic of the 1950s and 1960s, a period of prolific production for this manufacturer. The primary factor influencing the value of this piece is its market saturation and availability. Taylor, Smith & Taylor produced 'Ever Yours' patterns in vast quantities, making individual pieces quite common. While the 'Boutonnière' pattern is charming, it is not considered rare. Market analysis of comparable sales on online marketplaces and at replacement china services consistently shows that individual bowls of this pattern command a modest price. Demand is typically driven by individuals seeking to replace a broken piece from a family set rather than collectors seeking a standalone item. As an individual piece, its value is significantly lower than that of a complete dinner service. While the visual characteristics are consistent with an authentic mid-century piece, full authentication cannot be completed from images alone. An in-person examination would be necessary to confirm the absence of hairline cracks or repairs and to inspect the maker's mark on the underside. However, given the nature of this mass-produced dinnerware, authenticity is not a major concern affecting its modest value.