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

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

Wisteria falls; magnolia opens. The most affecting seasons are often the ones that refuse to last.

Haruyo Martin, a Japanese-born artist, works within the long tradition of kachō-ga — bird-and-flower painting — a genre that traces back to the Heian period and found mature expression in Edo-era screens and woodblock prints. Her contribution to The Bradford Exchange’s Treasures of the Moon series translates this tradition into fine bone china, produced by Wedgwood in England. The series retains the essential qualities of the genre: a deep midnight ground, controlled botanical rendering, and the quiet presence of birds as counterpoint to floral stillness. This plate, Wisteria and Magnolia, is number four in the series, issued in a limited edition defined by a maximum of 75 firing days.

The plate is circular, set against a richly saturated cobalt blue ground, finished with a narrow gilt rim. From the upper register, wisteria descends in trailing clusters of lilac and soft violet, each bloom carefully articulated. Below, magnolia flowers open along bare branches, their cream petals shaded with rose at the base. A small red-and-brown songbird rests on a branch at the left, introducing warmth and focus within the composition. Fine gilt lines trace stems and leaves throughout. The artist’s signature, “Haruyo,” appears on the face. The reverse bears full Wedgwood and Bradford Exchange markings, including Bradex number 26-W90-71.4 and plate number 1163A.

There are no chips, cracks, or restoration. The gilt rim remains intact. The plate presents in excellent condition. The original packaging and Certificate of Authenticity, signed by both the artist and Wedgwood, are included.

Key details

• Maker: Wedgwood
• Pattern/Model: Wisteria and Magnolia (Treasures of the Moon Series)
• Material: Bone china
• Origin: England
• Date: Late 20th century
• Size: Diameter 20.3 cm
• Weight: 310 g
• Condition: Excellent; no chips, cracks, or restoration

Collector Appeal

The Wisteria and Magnolia plate retains its original packaging, signed Certificate of Authenticity and numbered edition markings. The descending wisteria, open magnolia blossoms and single songbird reflect the bird-and-flower tradition associated with Haruyo Martin’s work.

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

The bird does not explain itself; it simply remains, and the composition settles around it.