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

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

On a cobalt ground, the peony has always understood that abundance and restraint are not opposites.

Founded in 1759 at Burslem by Josiah Wedgwood, Wedgwood remains one of England’s most established 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 working within the kachō-ga tradition of bird-and-flower painting. Issued as limited editions defined by a maximum of 75 firing days, the series translates this aesthetic into fine bone china while maintaining its emphasis on balance, controlled colour, and quiet composition.

The plate is circular, set on a deep cobalt blue ground with a continuous gilt rim. Four peony blooms occupy the centre, rendered in cream and soft ivory, their layered petals defined by fine gilt outlining. Foliage in green and teal extends across the lower field, interspersed with slender stems and small pink-tipped sprays. In the upper register, two blue-grey songbirds perch facing one another on a branch, introducing a subtle point of focus. The artist’s signature, “Haruyo,” appears in gilt at the lower right. The reverse bears the Wedgwood bone china backstamp, Bradford Exchange markings, Bradex number 26-W90-71.1, and the hand-numbered plate reference 3327A.

There are no chips, cracks, or restoration. The cobalt ground remains even, and the gilt rim shows no wear. A plain wire hanger has replaced the original plastic hanger on the reverse; it has caused no damage to the plate. The plate presents in excellent condition and is accompanied by its original box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Key details

• Maker: Wedgwood
• Pattern/Model: Peony (Treasures of the Moon Series)
• Material: Bone china
• Origin: England
• Date: Late 20th century
• Size: Diameter 20.4 cm
• Weight: 309 g
• Condition: Excellent; no chips, cracks, or restoration

Collector Appeal

The Peony plate retains its original box and Certificate of Authenticity, together with its numbered edition markings. The deep cobalt ground, gilt detailing and paired songbirds form a carefully balanced composition.

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

The peony does not last — which is precisely why it has been returned to, again and again.