Finestein Book Publishing
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Determinants of Value for KPM Plaques
The first question that comes to mind during an encounter with a KPM plaque, as well as any other antiquarian subject, is
“what is its price in the current market?” It is not possible to receive a satisfactory answer to this question by merely browsing
through catalogues. The concept of price on KPM plaques is abstract; it depends on the current demand of style, the
uniqueness and rarity of the painting, what subject is depicted, quality of painting, the size of the plaque, and its condition.
For example, a plaque measuring ten inches can cost much more than plaque measuring fifteen inches, depending on the
factors mentioned above. Moreover, the size or authenticity of mark is not always is criterion of cost.
Is there a minimum and a maximum price for porcelain plaques? It is necessary to know that when discussing the price, there
can be no concrete limits; it is impossible to guess which plaque is the most precious or cheap. The great bulk of plaques were
created at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth. The art of painting on plaques is a
relatively young art in terms of its appearance as a cultural phenomenon; while painting on canvas and ivory are arts that have
been around for many centuries, the art of painting on porcelain, and especially KPM plaques, flourished during a rather short
period of time—hardly more than one hundred years. The absence of literature pertaining to paintings on plaques also creates
a dilemma in pricing: should they be compared to great paintings of the time? Or perhaps to vases or plates that have been
painted with grand mastership? In reality, the quality of paintings differs from plaque to plaque and the prices of some are
close to those of similar canvas paintings.
The first question that comes to mind during an encounter with a KPM plaque, as well as any other antiquarian subject, is
“what is its price in the current market?” It is not possible to receive a satisfactory answer to this question by merely browsing
through catalogues. The concept of price on KPM plaques is abstract; it depends on the current demand of style, the
uniqueness and rarity of the painting, what subject is depicted, quality of painting, the size of the plaque, and its condition.
For example, a plaque measuring ten inches can cost much more than plaque measuring fifteen inches, depending on the
factors mentioned above. Moreover, the size or authenticity of mark is not always is criterion of cost.
Is there a minimum and a maximum price for porcelain plaques? It is necessary to know that when discussing the price, there
can be no concrete limits; it is impossible to guess which plaque is the most precious or cheap. The great bulk of plaques were
created at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth. The art of painting on plaques is a
relatively young art in terms of its appearance as a cultural phenomenon; while painting on canvas and ivory are arts that have
been around for many centuries, the art of painting on porcelain, and especially KPM plaques, flourished during a rather short
period of time—hardly more than one hundred years. The absence of literature pertaining to paintings on plaques also creates
a dilemma in pricing: should they be compared to great paintings of the time? Or perhaps to vases or plates that have been
painted with grand mastership? In reality, the quality of paintings differs from plaque to plaque and the prices of some are
close to those of similar canvas paintings.
Sean Shakrovski, Vera Rininberg "KPM Plaques: Gaining Insight into the Art of Painting on Porcelain", p.52
Copyright © 2006 Finestein Book Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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