Wedgwood | Bone China | Collector Plate | ‘Orchid’ | Treasures of the Moon Series | England | Late 20th Century

Wedgwood | Bone China | Collector Plate | ‘Orchid’ | Treasures of the Moon Series | England | Late 20th Century

A cobalt ground that holds the flowers the way night holds colour — present, but not lit.

Founded in 1759 at Burslem by Josiah Wedgwood, Wedgwood remains one of England’s most enduring ceramic manufacturers. The Treasures of the Moon series, produced in collaboration with The Bradford Exchange, presents the work of Haruyo Martin, a Japanese-born artist whose compositions draw on the kachō-ga tradition of bird-and-flower painting. Issued as limited editions defined by a maximum of 75 firing days, the series adapts this aesthetic to fine bone china while retaining its emphasis on balance, stillness, and controlled colour.

The plate is circular, set on a deep cobalt blue ground with a continuous gilt rim. Three Cattleya-type orchid blooms occupy the centre, their petals rendered in white and rose-pink with yellow throats and softly ruffled edges. Bamboo stems and leaves extend across the upper field, framing the composition. To the left, two small songbirds perch on a slender branch, one facing forward, the other in profile. Gilt outlines define the forms throughout. The artist’s signature, “Haruyo,” appears in gilt at the lower left. The reverse carries the Wedgwood bone china backstamp, Bradford Exchange markings, Bradex number 26-W90-71.3, and the hand-numbered plate reference 1631A.

There are no chips, cracks, or restoration. The cobalt ground remains even, and the gilt rim shows no wear. The plate presents in excellent condition, accompanied by its original box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Key details

• Maker: Wedgwood
• Pattern/Model: Orchid (Treasures of the Moon Series)
• Material: Bone china
• Origin: England
• Date: Late 20th century
• Size: Diameter 20.2 cm
• Weight: 303 g
• Condition: Excellent; no chips, cracks, or restoration

Collector Appeal

The Orchid plate retains its original box, Certificate of Authenticity and numbered edition markings. Its rose-pink and white orchids, bamboo foliage and paired songbirds are set against a deep cobalt ground with gilt detailing.

Other ‘Treasures of the Moon’ plates from the shop: Chrysanthemum, Wisteria and Magnolia and Peony.

Some things endure not because they were preserved by chance, but because someone chose to keep them whole.