Maxam Floral Design Dinner Plates
Decorative Art / Ceramic Tableware • Maxam (Manufacturer), made in Italy
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Euro-Modernism influence
Medium & Technique
Glazed earthenware or stoneware with hand-painted or stencil-applied underglaze decoration
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10-11 inches in diameter; Circular format
Subject Description
Four dinner plates featuring a vibrant, stylized floral motif with two yellow and two blue daisy-like flowers arranged radially around the rim. Green leaf accents provide contrast against a bright white ground.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good - The visible top plate appears to have a stable glaze, though light utilitarian surface scratching is likely present consistent with age and use.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $80 USD for the set of four
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Commercial production in Italy for the Maxam brand; likely distributed through houseware retailers or department stores.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war Italian export market for ceramics which focused on bold, colorful designs for the international domestic market. While mass-produced, they reflect the regional heritage of Italian pottery centers like Deruta or Vietri adapted for modern tastes.
Notable Features
Bold primary color palette and 'primitive' modern floral style; marked 'Made in Italy' on the underside, hallmark of quality for decorative ceramics of this era.
Condition Issues
Possible stacking wear, minor utensil marks, and potential 'crazing' (fine cracks in the glaze) common in older Italian earthenware.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only to preserve glaze integrity; avoid abrasive cleaners or high-heat dishwashers to prevent fading of the colored pigments.
Collector Notes
4 Maxam dinner plates made in italy