Royal Wedding Commemorative Dish (Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer)
Decorative art, commemorative porcelain dish / shallow bowl with handles • British ceramic manufacture (likely Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, or Coalport; unsigned in view)
Style & Movement
Late 20th-century British Royal Commemorative Ware; Traditionalist/Neoclassical decorative border
Medium & Technique
Glazed fine bone china or porcelain with transfer-printed images, polychrome floral decoration, and hand-applied gold gilding
Creation Period
circa 1981
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-9 inches in diameter; scalloped circular format with two integrated pierced handles
Subject Description
Commemoration of the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981. Features two oval photographic portraits framed by gold borders, set against a floral background of blue lilies and pink blossoms. Surrounded by a circular inscription in gold capital letters.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; slight wear consistent with age and display usage
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $40 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced souvenir acquired by a private collector in the United Kingdom or Commonwealth territories around the time of the 1981 wedding.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the massive surge in British commemorative ceramic production during the 1980s. While not a unique fine art piece, it serves as a significant cultural artifact documenting a pivotal moment in the history of the British Monarchy and the global 'Diana-mania' phenomenon.
Notable Features
Scalloped 'shell-like' edge design with elegant pierced handles; the use of formal serif typography in gold leaf elevates the piece above standard earthenware souvenirs.
Condition Issues
Visible minor rubbing on the gold gilding along the scalloped edge and handles; potential micro-scratches in the glaze from stacking or cleaning.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only with mild detergent; avoid abrasive sponges. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading of the transfer pigments. Store with felt liners if stacked.