Porcelain History: Collectible Kitchen Plates
Many objects in life have both a practical use and a ceremonial use. When people think of kitchen plates, they usually envision the practice use first: plates heaped with food, stacked in the sink, clinking in the dishwasher. But there is a rather large, yet unmentioned, market for collectible kitchen plates. From family heirlooms to trophies to commemorative markers, these plates have sentimental value in the hearts of their owners as well as monetary value in the eyes of collectors.
Use and Disuse
Many collectible kitchen plates start out as simple dinnerware. China, with hand-painted roses and blue cornflower, is a common extravagance; most households own a set of china, and while it may only come out of the cupboard around holidays, it is not necessarily protected. But when china is passed down through generations, it gains value, especially if it remains in good condition. Even china from old hotels, ships or restaurants, replaced with new sets, becomes valuable to whoever can save it from the dumpster; these collectible kitchen plates will often have stamps on the back indicating where they were used.
For some people, collectible kitchen plates are not about value at all. They are about décor and style, color and homeliness. Plates can be arranged on mantel places or hung on the walls using special plate hangers. Chosen for their designs, colors or themes, these plates become artwork, perfect in the kitchen where more formal paintings may seem out of place.
Memories and Cutlery
Some collectible kitchen plates exist only to commemorate certain events, places or people. These plates are sold in gift shops, at sporting events or in collector's shops after historic moments. While not antiques or heirlooms, these plates can still significant meanings to the individuals or families who own them. From family trips to weddings, collectible kitchen plates can bring memories alive in vivid color, and they can be displayed around the home like photographs.
Plates are even used directly as canvases. The art of Norman Rockwell in particular has been transferred to numerous plates. These plates have been released over the years in numbered series, making them perfect collectibles. These too can be passed down through the generations, from mother daughter, garnering far more than simple monetary value. While these collectible kitchen plates are never eaten on, and are rarely ever kept in a cupboard, they still embody the essence of the plate. On any other object, by any other medium, these plates would be far less striking, and probably far less popular.
