Little Boy Blue Decorative Plate
Decorative ceramic plate • Unknown commercial ceramic manufacturer, likely European or American mass-market pottery
Style & Movement
Traditional nursery rhyme illustration style, Victorian Revival / Mid-Century collectable souvenir
Medium & Technique
Glazed porcelain with transfer-printed polychrome enamel illustration and gilt trim
Creation Period
Early to mid-20th century, c. 1920-1950
Dimensions & Format
Circular plate, approximately 8 to 10 inches in diameter
Subject Description
Central transfer print depicting the classic nursery rhyme character Little Boy Blue wearing blue eighteenth-century style attire, blowing a horn while seated on a wooden fence in a pastoral landscape with a cow in the background. The text 'LITTLE BOY BLUE' is printed beneath the scene in capitalized lettering. The plate features a scalloped edge with beaded relief molding and a delicate gilt rim.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition overall, showing minor wear to the gilt rim and slight surface scuffing typical of vintage display or utility ceramics, mounted on wire display brackets
Estimated Market Value
15.00 to 35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
10.00 to 25.00 USD
Provenance History
Acquired from a secondary market or thrift setting, originally mass-marketed as a nursery collectible or child's decorative dish
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the widespread cultural tradition of incorporating popular nursery rhymes and children's literature into domestic decorative arts and tableware during the first half of the 20th century
Notable Features
Scalloped rim with embossed beadwork and a clearly legible typographic inscription identifying the subject
Condition Issues
Fading and minor loss of the metallic gold trim along the scalloped edges due to handling and age
Conservation Recommendations
Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap; avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals to protect the transfer print and gilt edge