Mid-Century Studio Pottery Iris Plate | Hand Painted c1950s

Studio Pottery Plate North America, c. 1945–1960 Wheel-thrown stoneware with hand-painted iris decoration Artist Unknown An exceptional mid-century North American studio pottery plate, hand-thrown and hand-painted with a refined iris botanical motif. This piece exemplifies the quiet sophistication and craftsmanship associated with postwar American studio ceramics, where individual makers emphasized form, brushwork, and glaze over commercial branding. The plate is wheel-thrown, not slip-cast—concentric throwing rings are clearly visible on the underside, a hallmark detail serious collectors recognize immediately. The glaze presents a soft, period-correct satin finish, and the painterly execution of the iris reflects a trained hand working confidently in oxide and slip. Origin, Make & Attribution • Origin: North America (likely United States) • Make: Hand-thrown studio art pottery • Artist: Unidentified studio potter • Period: Circa 1945–1960 Unmarked studio pieces of this caliber were commonly produced by independent potters, university-affiliated ceramicists, or regional craft guild members during the American studio pottery movement, rather than factory lines. Many comparable works now reside in private and institutional collections without maker marks. This piece reflects the quality and restraint associated with mid-century North American studio ceramics, where works were produced individually rather than at scale. Comparable hand-thrown, hand-painted botanical plates from this period—particularly those with intact glaze and strong painterly execution—are increasingly scarce and are now traded primarily through galleries and specialist dealers rather than general vintage markets. The iris motif—symbolic of renewal and refinement—was especially favored by studio potters working in the postwar period and remains highly collectible today. Condition • Excellent vintage condition • No cracks, repairs, or structural issues • Minor surface wear and kiln marks consistent with age and authenticity • Decoration remains crisp and well-preserved (High-resolution photographs provided for full transparency.) Measurements Approximately 10 inches in diameter (Scale shown with ruler in photos.) Collector Appeal • Authentic mid-century North American studio pottery • Hand-thrown and hand-painted (not mass produced) • Classic botanical subject with strong collector demand • Ideal as a cabinet plate, wall display, or curated shelf piece Comparable mid-century studio plates of similar quality routinely command premium prices in gallery and collector markets, particularly when botanical decoration and intact glaze are present. This is a serious collector piece, not decorative repro ware. • studio pottery plate • mid century pottery • hand painted ceramic • iris floral plate • vintage studio pottery • art pottery plate • botanical pottery • mcm ceramics • collectible ceramics • wheel thrown pottery • artisan pottery • vintage ceramic plate • canadian collectors