Overview
A large, vitreous china oval platter from the 'Informal' line, featuring a stylized wildflower motif in muted blue, green, and yellow.
Preliminary identification
Iroquois China 'Informal' Serving Platter by Ben Seibel, c.1958
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
In 1958, the American dinner party was undergoing a radical transformation as the rigid formality of the pre-war era gave way to the relaxed, suburban 'hostess' culture.
Maker / Origin
Ben Seibel was a titan of 20th-century industrial design who studied architecture under Eliel Saarinen and brought a sculptor's eye to everyday objects.
Condition & Value
The platter appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips or heavy utensil marks. The backstamp is crisp and fully legible, which is a plus for collectors. Excellent condition for this line typically commands the higher end of the price range.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD