Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Modern Style Ceramic Face Charger Plate

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This striking ceramic charger plate features a hand-painted, stylized female face rendered in a minimalist, avant-garde style. With its pastel pink, yellow, and lavender glazes outlined in bold black slip-trailing, it captures a chic, graphic sensibility reminiscent of classic 1980s illustration. The piece serves as both functional tableware and a compelling work of wall art.

Story

In the 1980s, a massive revival of Art Deco aesthetics swept through the design world, blending vintage glamour with bold, modern minimalism. This hand-painted face plate is a perfect artifact of that expressive, post-modern era.

Maker / Origin

While the specific studio or artist remains unidentified from the front view, this piece belongs to the rich tradition of independent studio potters who embraced the 'clay revolution.' During the late 20th century, artists moved away from purely functional brown stoneware to embrace bright, painterly glazes and whimsical, illustrative subjects.

Condition & Value

The plate appears to be in very good vintage condition with no visible cracks or major chips on the front face. There is minor wear consistent with age and display, particularly where the metal wire hanger contacts the rim. Safe display in a hanger is fine, but ensure the metal tension isn't scratching the glaze.

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 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.