Description
This is rare, midcentury modern DeForest of California wall plate. It has a hand painted anthropomorphic fish on it. It measures 9"x9". DeForest of Calif USA is engraved on the back. The plate is not glazed, which is unusual for DeForest items. I have never seen another DeForest item like this, and I have no idea what it's worth. I would appreciate any information someone may have on this item. Thank you.
Re: DeForest California Mid Century Hand Painted...
This person on Flickr might be able to help https://www.flickr.com/photos/41487028@N02/albums/72157622050409936/
They have a pic of a plate that same shape as yours with the same hanging holes, different subject and it’s been fired. That pic is incomplete but looks like it’s with other plates.
I don’t know what a plate that hasn’t been fired would be worth. Similar fired items seem to go for around $20. I wonder if this could be a prototype.
Re: DeForest California Mid Century Hand Painted...
Deforest started about 1950 and operated to 1970 or so, long after most other California potters went out of business. No huge value, $35.00- $55.00