Golden 10" Dish

Item Overview

• Maker: Harmony House, Japan
• Pattern: “Denise” (#3846)
• Designer Signature: “Created by Maureen O’Connor” (appears printed in gold)
• Material: Fine china with reflective gold-tone floral overlay
• Dimensions: 10” diameter, approximately 1” deep
• Weight: Approx. 1 lb
• Condition: Excellent to near-mint
• Acquisition: Found in a thrift store for $5
• Not for Sale: Collector's item

Detailed Description and Identification

The dish shown is a 10-inch decorative plate from Harmony House, a private-label brand sold by Sears from the 1940s to the 1970s. It was manufactured in Japan, as indicated by the backstamp, and bears the pattern name “Denise” (3846).

This piece is embellished with a brilliant gold floral overlay, which appears to be either screen-printed or hand-transferred, a popular design method for mid-century decorative china. The artist signature “Created by Maureen O'Connor” is an uncommon detail and may reference a pattern designer or decorator employed (or licensed) during the manufacturing era.

Historical Context

• Harmony House china was a Sears-exclusive brand that offered stylish yet affordable homewares from the late 1940s through the early 1970s.
• The “Denise” pattern is known, but this gold floral design is unusual and not widely cataloged, suggesting it could be either:
  • A limited edition or special run, or
  • A decorator's series, perhaps customized for certain retail lines or export.

Estimated Value (as of 2025)

Based on the visual condition, brand recognition, and gold detailing:

Market Type

Estimated Value

Thrift/Resale Market

$15–$25 USD

Collector Market (Online)

$35–$60 USD (if verified as rare variant)

With Provenance or Matching Set

Up to $75+

Note: This value assumes no cracks, chips, or fading and that the gold overlay is original and intact.

Authentication and Recommendations

• The backstamp appears genuine and consistent with known Harmony House markings.
• The Maureen O’Connor signature is less commonly seen; it does not match known designer lines like Noritake or Lenox, which suggests this is either a Harmony House-exclusive decorator line or a lesser-documented designer collaboration.

To authenticate or research further:

• Contact a reputable appraiser who specializes in mid-century Japanese export porcelain.
• Alternatively, reach out to collectors' groups focused on Harmony House or Sears china (e.g., Facebook collector groups, Replacements.com).

Summary

This 10” decorative dish is a fine example of mid-20th-century Harmony House Japan export china, featuring a rare gold floral design and a signature that adds potential collector interest. Given its excellent condition, it holds modest but growing value in vintage and retro design markets. If part of a larger set or confirmed limited series, its value could appreciably rise.