Franciscan 'Trio' Cobalt and Burgundy Dinner Plates
Decorative Art, Ceramic Dinnerware • Franciscan Ceramics (a division of Interpace/Johnson Brothers during this period)
Style & Movement
Post-Modern/Contemporary Minimalism
Medium & Technique
Glazed earthenware; mass-produced industrial slip-casting and solid-color glazing
Creation Period
Circa late 1980s to early 1990s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10.5 to 11 inches in diameter; circular format
Subject Description
Utilitarian dinner plates featuring a minimalist bicolor design with a deep cobalt blue well and a contrasting burgundy or maroon wide rim. The aesthetic focuses on bold, saturated primary and secondary color combinations typical of late 20th-century home decor.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair; visible surface scratches and 'flea bites' or glaze loss on the rim.
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $60.00 USD for the set of three
Auction Estimate
$15.00 - $40.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via domestic retail; markings on the underside would typically feature the 'Franciscan' backstamp used after the company moved production to England/Johnson Brothers.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the later era of Franciscan Ceramics, a brand once famous for 'Desert Rose' and 'Apple' patterns. The 'Trio' line reflects the shift toward high-contrast, minimalist stoneware popularized in the 1980s following the decline of Mid-Century Modern organicism.
Notable Features
Distinctive dual-tone color scheme; Franciscan's 'Trio' line is known for mixing various bold colors across different sets, allowing for 'mix-and-match' table settings.
Condition Issues
Evidence of heavy utensil marks (cutlery scratches), significant wear on the burgundy rim including white spots where the glaze has chipped, and possible shelf wear on the foot-ring.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only to prevent further glaze degradation. Avoid abrasive scouring pads. Display in a setting with stable temperatures; if used, check for lead compliance if manufactured prior to strict regulations (though late 80s sets are generally considered safe).
Collector Notes
3 Franciscan dinner plates