Sunflower or Yellow Sun/Blue Tulip Pattern Plates
Decorative art, Ceramic tableware • Studio Nova (a division of Mikasa)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Casual Dinnerware; Mediterranean Revival influence
Medium & Technique
Stoneware or Earthenware with underglaze hand-painting and clear top glaze
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10.5 to 11 inches in diameter; Round format
Subject Description
The composition features a central yellow sun-like medallion surrounded by concentric blue and teal rings. The border is decorated with a vine of stylized blue tulips and leaves on a white ground, accented by thin yellow and teal bands.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; item exhibits visible surface wear consistent with frequent use
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $20 USD for the pair
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD (likely sold in larger lots or through secondary platforms like eBay/Etsy)
Provenance History
Mass-produced commercial retail; likely originally sold in department stores such as Macy's or Bloomindale's under the Studio Nova brand.
Art Historical Significance
Low; representative of late 20th-century mass-market lifestyle design intended for daily domestic use. Studio Nova was known for accessible, trendy patterns that bridged the gap between fine china and everyday pottery.
Notable Features
Hand-painted aesthetic with visible spiral brushwork in the central yellow disc; characteristic Studio Nova teal-rimmed edge.
Condition Issues
Visible heavy utensil scratches (cut marks) in the glaze, surface abrasions, and potential micro-crazing in the center yellow medallion.
Conservation Recommendations
Non-archival; recommend hand washing to prevent further glaze degradation. If intended for display, avoid stacked storage without padding to prevent additional scratching.
Collector Notes
Studio Nova