Mandarin Ducks and Lotus Pond Decorative Plate
Decorative art, ceramic dish / small plate • Andrea by Sadek (manufactured in Japan)
Style & Movement
Traditional Japanese-inspired decorative export ware, evoking classical Satsuma or Kyo ware styles
Medium & Technique
Glazed ceramic with hand-painted overglaze polychrome enamel decoration and intentional crackle glaze (craquelure)
Creation Period
Late 20th century (circa 1970s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Small round dish, approximately 6 to 8 inches in diameter with a scalloped rim
Subject Description
A tranquil pond scene featuring a pair of Mandarin ducks nestled among aquatic vegetation, lotus flowers, lily pads, and reeds. In East Asian iconography, Mandarin ducks symbolize fidelity, enduring love, and marital happiness, while the lotus represents purity and enlightenment.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The piece appears intact with clear glaze and vibrant colors, though showing characteristic intentional crazing across the glazed surface typical of this ceramic style.
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD
Provenance History
Produced as part of the commercial decorative import line by Andrea by Sadek, distributed in the United States gift and home decor market.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of mid-to-late 20th-century mass-produced decorative export ceramics that commercialized traditional Asian artistic motifs for Western consumer markets.
Notable Features
Distinctive network of fine crackles (craquelure) covering the off-white background glaze, contrasting with the vibrant green, pink, and brown hand-painted enamels and the scalloped, brown-trimmed rim.
Condition Issues
Minor surface wear consistent with age and light handling; intentional overall crackle glaze is a stylistic feature rather than structural damage.
Conservation Recommendations
Standard handling with clean hands. Wash gently by hand with mild soap and water if needed; avoid abrasive cleaners or prolonged soaking. Not recommended for daily food use if intended strictly for display.
Collector Notes
Wndrea by Sadek made in Japan