Mid-Century Modern Floral Dinner Plate, possibly Starburst or Floral Spray motif
Decorative Art / Ceramic Tableware • Likely manufactured by an American or European firm such as Salem China Co., Taylor, Smith & Taylor (TS&T), or Royal China, following Mid-Century design trends.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Atomic Age
Medium & Technique
Glazed earthenware or porcelain with transfer-printed lithographic decoration and hand-painted platinum or silver-toned rim gilding.
Creation Period
Circa 1955-1965
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10-10.5 inches in diameter; Circular/Tondo format.
Subject Description
Stylized spray of small teal and yellow five-petaled flowers on delicate, curvilinear black wiry stems. The composition is asymmetrical, reflecting the 'Space Age' or 'Atomic' aesthetic of the 1950s where organic forms were abstracted into geometric patterns.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The glaze appears bright, though there is visible surface staining at the 5 o'clock position (orange spot).
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD (for a single plate)
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD (individual), $60 - $120 USD (full set of 8)
Provenance History
Unknown; typical of mass-produced American domestic dinnerware likely purchased as part of a set for home use during the post-war housing boom.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the democratization of Modernism in 1950s Americana, where high-design concepts were translated into affordable, mass-produced household goods for the 'Modern' kitchen.
Notable Features
Distinctive wiry, calligraphic stem work characteristic of post-war graphic design; platinum trim highlighting the edge which signifies a higher-tier 'versatile' dinnerware line.
Condition Issues
Visible orange surface discoloration or 'kiln spit' at the bottom right; minor wear to the metallic rim gilding; possible utensil marks (crazing not immediately visible but common for this age).
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only to prevent further degradation of the metallic rim. Avoid acidic cleaners that could lift the transfer print. Display on a non-abrasive plate stand.