Decorative Plate with Cardinals by Kevin Daniel

This is a collectible decorative plate featuring a detailed illustration of two cardinals perched on a tree branch. The plate appears to be made of porcelain or fine ceramic. The artwork depicts a male cardinal with vibrant red plumage and a female cardinal with more subtle brown and reddish-brown feathers. They are positioned on a branch adorned with green leaves and white berries, likely mistletoe or similar winter foliage, suggesting a winter scene. The background is a muted blue-grey sky with subtle hints of brown and white. The style of the artwork is realistic, capturing the birds' features and the textures of the tree and leaves. The artist's signature, "KEVIN DANIEL," is visible on the lower right side of the plate. The plate has a smooth, glossy finish. While no specific condition issues are visible in the provided image, a thorough appraisal would require examination for cracks, chips, crazing, or wear to the artwork. Based on the context provided (Knowles plates) and the style of the artwork, this plate is likely a limited edition or collectible plate produced by the Edwin M. Knowles China Company, known for producing collectible plates often featuring nature and wildlife subjects. The appearance suggests a 20th-century manufacturing period.

Based on my visual examination of the provided image, this decorative plate, featuring a pair of cardinals by artist Kevin Daniel, appears to be a limited edition collectible produced by the Edwin M. Knowles China Company. The artwork is vibrant, detailed, and consistent with Daniel's wildlife illustrations. The plate itself seems to be in excellent condition, with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing from the photograph. The signature 'KEVIN DANIEL' is clearly visible. The market for late 20th-century collectible plates, including those from Knowles, has softened considerably from its peak. While beautifully rendered, these plates were produced in large quantities and current demand is low. Similar plates by Kevin Daniel and others from the same era often sell for modest amounts in secondary markets like online auctions and antique malls. The primary value driver is decorative appeal rather than rarity. A significant factor depressing the value is the saturated market and a shift in collector preferences. Without a physical inspection to confirm the absence of any damage and to examine the backstamp for edition details, this appraisal is preliminary. Full authentication would also require verifying the backstamp in person against known Knowles markings.