Joan Walsh Anglund Autumn Porcelain Plate
Two children ride a seesaw across an autumn landscape on this vintage Joan Walsh Anglund decorative plate. Titled “Herbst”, the illustration combines fallen leaves, a carved pumpkin and a watchful owl. Cream, ochre and brown create a warm setting for the red clothing and schoolhouse.
The scene balances a large branching tree with rounded hills and an open sky. Small bird silhouettes cross above a red building with a bell tower. A pale sun sits behind the distant hill.
Children on a Seesaw
A blonde girl in a red dress and broad bonnet sits at the raised end of the seesaw. Opposite her, a smaller blonde child wears a white top, red trousers and a rounded bonnet. Both hold the wooden handles.
The long pale board rests on a tree stump at the centre. Below it, a carved pumpkin sits beside a red book and pencil. Fallen leaves scatter across the foreground, linking the play scene with the seasonal setting.
Owl, Schoolhouse and Autumn Hills
An owl with large round eyes perches in the tree at the left. Sparse leaves cling to the branches while others drift through the air. Fine dark outlines define the bark, feather details and pointed leaves.
A fence follows the rolling hills towards the red schoolhouse. A dotted path climbs to its door, beside a small flagpole. The building’s dark roof and bell tower stand out against the pale sky.
The warm background alternates pale areas with ochre and brown landscape shading. These tones frame the brighter red accents without overwhelming them. The composition contains several small stories within a single circular scene.
Herbst Title and Copyright
“Herbst”, the German word for autumn, appears in flowing script along the lower edge. The inscription “© 1966 by joan walsh anglund” follows the adjoining curve. This dates the illustration’s copyright rather than establishing the plate’s production year.
A narrow dark outline frames the printed scene inside the white rim. The illustration covers most of the shallow porcelain face. Its detailed linework rewards close viewing as well as display from a distance.
Walther Backstamp and Hanging Wire
The white reverse carries a blue tulip-shaped Walther mark with the number 12 beneath it. A raised circular foot ring supports the plate. Metal hanging hardware remains attached near the upper part of the reverse.
The existing wire is darkened and visibly bent. Its condition should be checked before any hanging use. It is included as found, rather than presented as a ready-to-use mounting system.
Condition
Good vintage condition overall, with a clearly defined illustration and readable title and copyright inscription. The background has a warm cream and ivory appearance. No chips or cracks are visible in the photographs.
The rear hanging wire shows darkening and bending. Detailed photographs show the reverse, rim, profile and illustrated surface.
Key Details
Title: Herbst / Autumn
Illustrator: Joan Walsh Anglund
Backstamp: Blue Walther tulip mark with number 12
Design copyright: ©1966 by Joan Walsh Anglund
Origin: Germany
Material: Porcelain
Decoration: Colour-printed autumn scene
Motif: Children on a seesaw, carved pumpkin, owl, birds and red schoolhouse
Diameter: Approximately 20 cm
Height: Approximately 3 cm
Mount: Existing bent and darkened metal hanging wire
Quantity: One plate
SKU: 2C172
Why It’s Special
The seesaw, pumpkin and schoolhouse give this seasonal plate an engaging storybook character. Warm landscape tones balance the small red accents. Its compact scale suits a single display or a collection of illustrated porcelain.
