We have come across a set of 12 "Eve" plates from the studio of Piero
Fornasetti. They are in perfect condition--so much so that we want to
be sure that they are not a recent reproduction.
Our information (from "Fornasetti: Designer of Dreams" by Patrick
Mauries) is that these were produced by Fornasetti's studio in 1954.
We would like to know if our plates were made in this original
production. Whatever their provenance, we'd also like to know if the
$3,000 being asked for them is a reasonable price.
The plates are black and white, though we have seen a black on gilt
version of the companion "Adam" set. On the back of each plate it says
"FORNASETTI-MILANO Made in Italy" [in English] and shows a picture of
a hand holding a brush; in the center there is a fig leaf, and a
number from 1 to 12; at the top an arrow pierces a sign that says
"Alto Haut Top"; and underneath the glaze the center is marked with
the brand of Arzberg [a German porcelain manufacturer] in an oval,
under which "4 Germany 4" is printed.
In addition to the specific answers of provenance and price, we'd like
the information and sources used to determine them. |
