The Eastern Bluebird Collector Plate, Nature's Poetry Series
Bradex (The Bradford Exchange) / W.S. George Fine China · Collectibles & Antiques > Decorative Plates
Era / Decade
Late 1980s (Specifically 1989-1991)
Material
Fine porcelain with 22k gold rim and fired-on ceramic decals. Crafted under the hallmark of W.S. George.
Condition
Good to Very Good. The front art appears vibrant without surface scratches, but the gold rim shows slight age-related oxidation. Value depends heavily on whether the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is present on the back.
Demand Level
Low to Niche. Collector plates from the 80s/90s were overproduced, but Lena Liu bird plates remain a steady, albeit slow, seller for cottagecore and grandmother-core decor.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$10.00 - $18.00 (Low: $5, Mid: $12, High: $25 if including original box and COA).
Estimated Retail Value
Original issue price was approximately $29.50 - $35.00 USD.
Comparable Sales
Similar single plates from this Lena Liu series consistently sell for $12-$15 plus shipping on eBay. Full sets of 8 plates can reach $80-$100, making individual plates harder to move for high prices.
Description
A beautiful vintage collector plate featuring two Eastern Bluebirds perched among wildflowers (Mullein and Chicory). Part of the 'Nature's Poetry' collection by Lena Liu. The plate features a wide 22k gold border with blue accents and is officially listed on the Bradford Exchange (Bradex). It measures approximately 8.5 inches in diameter and is intended for decorative use only.
Key Features
Renowned artist (Lena Liu), high-quality porcelain by W.S. George, 22k gold rim, popular bird motif (bluebirds are highly collectible), Bradex registered number typically found on the back.
Authenticity Indicators
Look for the Bradex number, plate number, and Lena Liu signature on the back stamp. W.S. George hallmark should be present. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Minor tarnishing or rubbing on the gold rim; possible shelf wear on the bottom foot ring. Non-functional (not food safe due to metallic pigments). Missing original packaging/COA reduces value to the lower end of the range.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching specific plate collectors), Etsy (if framed as 'vintage decor'), or Facebook Marketplace (local pick-up to avoid shipping fragility).
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Cottagecore', 'Lena Liu Bluebirds', 'Chicory Flowers', and 'Nature's Poetry'. Photograph the back stamp clearly to show the plate number. Ship with heavy bubble wrap using the 'box-in-a-box' method to prevent breakage.