Hand painted porcelain is so beautiful, no matter if executed in a professional studio, factory decorating department or in a small home studio environment. The artistry and attention to detail is what really matters to produce a piece of art. This fantastic pair of hand painted plates was executed by one of the top artist of this era.

Putzki came to America as a young man of twenty-two to a job he had been promised as a decorator in a china factory in East Liverpool, Ohio. He stayed there a few years and then went to Chicago where he opened a studio. In one of his classes was a Mrs. P.B. Ware, a wealthy woman from Richmond, Indiana, who persuaded him to go once a week to Richmond and teach a class there. Among those in the class was Mrs. Benjamin Harrison. When her husband was elected president, Mrs. Harrison persuaded Putzki to come to Washington, where he located his studio at 1420 New York Avenue.

His classes in water color and china painting were popular, leading to an exhibit in April 1890 by him and 17 students including Caroline Harrison. In the White House, he was given leave to explore the conservatories where he could examine, draw and paint the exotic plants and colorful flowers, notably orchids.
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The motif of the six plates, very similar in design, consists of shaded white dogwood blossoms, red tinged edges and yellow centers along with opening buds nestled among leafage in shades of green, gray and mauve against a mottled background of soft cream, pink and blue with a delicate gold trimmed edge. The plates measure 7" across are unmarked as to manufacturer and are all signed "P Putzki" on the front. There are no cracks, chips, repairs or wear; near mint. Gorgeous set of 6 plates by renown decorator.