You’ve probably walked past antique dishes at estate sales or thrift stores without giving them a second thought. I used to do the same thing until I discovered that some of these old plates and bowls can be worth thousands of dollars. The right piece can turn your dining room into a goldmine.
Many collectors don’t realize that certain antique dishes have become incredibly valuable over the past decade. Market prices have skyrocketed for specific manufacturers and patterns that were once considered ordinary tableware. What your grandmother stored in her china cabinet might actually be worth more than your car.
Today I’m sharing the 35 most valuable antique dishes that are over 100 years old. These pieces represent the cream of the crop in collectible tableware, and knowing what to look for could change your next antiquing adventure forever.
Table of Contents
What Are Antique Dishes and Their History
Antique dishes are pieces of tableware that are at least 100 years old, crafted during an era when quality and artistry mattered more than mass production. These dishes were made by skilled artisans who took pride in their work, often spending weeks perfecting a single pattern or glaze technique.
The golden age of fine china began in the late 1800s when European manufacturers like Royal Crown Derby, Wedgwood, and Limoges dominated the market. American companies like Haviland and Lenox soon followed, creating their own distinctive styles. Each piece was carefully hand-painted or decorated using techniques that have largely disappeared from modern manufacturing.
Fun Fact: The most expensive antique dish ever sold was a Chinese porcelain bowl from the Ming Dynasty that fetched $37.7 million at auction in 2014.
By the early 1900s, these manufacturers were producing elaborate dinner sets for wealthy families who wanted to showcase their social status. The intricate designs, gold leaf details, and precious materials used in these dishes made them symbols of luxury and refinement that have only grown more valuable with time.
Why Antique Dishes Are Valuable and What Makes Them Worth Money
Rarity drives value in the antique dish market more than any other factor. When a manufacturer only produced a limited number of pieces in a specific pattern, or when most of a collection has been broken or lost over the decades, the surviving pieces become extremely valuable to collectors.
The maker’s mark is everything when it comes to pricing antique dishes. Pieces from renowned manufacturers like Royal Worcester, Spode, or Dresden can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars, while similar looking dishes from unknown makers might only be worth a few dollars. The quality of craftsmanship, including hand-painting, gold gilding, and intricate relief work, also significantly impacts value.
Condition and completeness determine whether you’re looking at a valuable find or just an old dish. Chips, cracks, or missing pieces can reduce value by 50% or more. However, extremely rare pieces might still command high prices even with minor damage, especially if they’re the only known examples of their kind in the market.
The 35 Most Valuable Antique Dishes Ever Sold
I’ve spent countless hours researching auction records from the past 20 years to bring you this definitive list. These prices represent actual sales, not estimates or wishful thinking. The dishes are ranked by their final auction prices, starting with the most expensive pieces that have changed hands in recent years.
What you’ll see here might surprise you. Some of these dishes sold for more than luxury cars, and a few even rival the cost of houses. The market for exceptional antique dishes has exploded in recent years, driven by collectors who understand the rarity and historical significance of these pieces.
1. Chinese Underglaze Copper Red Peony Dish, Ming Dynasty
• Sold: September 2022 for $275,000
• Era: Ming Dynasty, Hongwu Period (1368-1398)
• Size: 17.75 inches diameter
This massive dish represents the pinnacle of Chinese ceramic artistry. The Hongwu period was incredibly short, lasting only 30 years, which makes surviving pieces extraordinarily rare. The copper red glaze is notoriously difficult to achieve and many attempts resulted in failure, making successful pieces like this one museum-quality treasures.
What makes this dish special isn’t just its age or size. The peony decoration required multiple firings at precise temperatures, and the copper red color could only be achieved under very specific atmospheric conditions. Even with some professional restoration, collectors recognized its historical importance and rarity.
2. Lincoln White House Celery Dish
• $93,750
• September 2021
Presidential china doesn’t get more historic than this. I’ve seen Lincoln dinner plates sell for $25,000, but this oval celery dish is something completely different. The elongated shape and specialized function make it incredibly rare in the world of White House china collecting.
What fascinates me about this piece is how it represents a specific dining custom from the 1860s. Celery was considered a luxury item, and having a dedicated serving dish for it showed real sophistication. The fact that this survived the Civil War era and remained in good condition is remarkable.
3. Fabergé Ruby and Diamond Jade Dish
• Sold: May 2024 for $87,500
• Era: circa 1895-1903
• Maker: Fabergé, Workmaster Mikhail Perkhin
This isn’t just a dish, it’s a piece of Russian imperial history. Princess Zinaida Yusupova originally owned this piece, and it was even exhibited in St. Petersburg in 1902. The combination of carved Chinese jade with Fabergé’s signature gold mounting and gemstone work represents the height of luxury craftsmanship.
The 3.7-carat Burmese ruby and 30 rose-cut diamonds weren’t just decoration. They were symbols of imperial wealth and power. Fabergé pieces from this period are incredibly rare because so many were lost during the Russian Revolution. Finding one with this level of provenance is like discovering buried treasure.
4. Chinese Blue and White Dragon Dish, Ming Dynasty
• Sold: April 2017 for $87,500
• Era: Zhengde Period (1506-1521)
• Size: 9.25 inches diameter
The Zhengde period lasted only 15 years, making any surviving pieces extremely valuable. This dish features the five-toed dragon, which was reserved exclusively for imperial use. Anyone else caught with such a design could face severe punishment or death.
What’s fascinating is that an identical dish sits in the British Museum, donated by Sir John Addis. Having a museum-quality piece in private hands drove the bidding to this extraordinary level. The lotus and dragon motifs aren’t just decorative. They represent imperial power and the harmony between earth and heaven.
5. Chinese White Jade Dish, Qing Dynasty
• Sold: April 2017 for $68,750
• Era: Qianlong Period (1736-1795)
• Size: 10.5 inches diameter
White jade was considered more precious than gold in imperial China. The Qianlong Emperor was obsessed with jade, and pieces from his reign represent the absolute pinnacle of Chinese jade carving. This dish’s simple elegance hides the incredible skill required to carve such a thin, perfectly balanced piece.
The Qianlong period lasted 60 years, but pieces of this quality and size are extraordinarily rare. The jade itself probably took decades to source before any carving could begin. The translucent quality and flawless carving make this dish a masterpiece of Chinese decorative arts.
6. Imperial Fabergé Nephrite Dish
• Sold: May 2024 for $35,000
• Era: before 1899
• Original Owner: Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna
This dish has an incredible story. The Dowager Empress bought it as a Christmas gift in 1898 for 150 rubles. The Sanskrit symbol carved into the nephrite was beloved by Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, who considered it lucky. She even had it etched into windows with her diamond ring during captivity.
The dish was later returned to Fabergé by Grand Duchess Xenia, showing that even imperial family members didn’t always appreciate these pieces. Today, that “returned” dish is worth more than most people’s annual salary. The irony of royal family members returning what’s now a treasure is not lost on collectors.
7. Hermès Mosaique au 24 Gold Dish Set
• Sold: December 2023 for $31,250
• Era: Modern (160 pieces)
• Designer: Benoit Pierre Emery
This modern entry proves that contemporary luxury can hold its value. 160 pieces with 24-karat gold tiles represent the pinnacle of modern French craftsmanship. While not antique, the set shows how today’s luxury items might become tomorrow’s collectibles.
The set includes everything from service plates to a punch bowl, all decorated with Hermès’ signature attention to detail. The gold isn’t just plating, it’s actual 24-karat gold tiles applied to each piece. For collectors who want to use their dishes, this represents accessible luxury that might appreciate over time.
8. Russian Plique-à-Jour Enameled Dish
• Sold: December 2024 for $31,250
• Era: 1908-1917
• Maker: Feodor Rückert
Rückert was one of the finest enamelers working in pre-revolutionary Russia. His plique-à-jour technique creates the effect of stained glass by removing the metal backing from cloisonné enamel. The result is translucent enamel that glows when light passes through it.
This technique was incredibly difficult and expensive even when new. Most pieces were destroyed during the Russian Revolution, making survivors like this dish exceptionally rare. The combination of technical mastery and historical significance makes Rückert pieces some of the most sought-after Russian decorative arts.
9. Pablo Picasso Corrida Dish
• Sold: October 2020 for $27,500
• Era: 1950
• Medium: Terre de faïence with glazing
Picasso’s ceramic work from the 1950s represents a completely different side of his artistic genius. This bullfighting scene shows his mastery of a completely different medium. The dish was produced in an edition of only 50 pieces, making it relatively rare for 20th-century ceramics.
What makes Picasso ceramics special is that he personally supervised the glazing and firing process. These weren’t just designs applied to pottery, they were collaborations between Picasso and the master potters at Madoura. The energy and movement in this corrida scene is purely Picasso.
10. James Madison White House China
• Sold: March 2008 for $17,925
• Era: 1806
• Maker: Nast à Paris
This dish carries the weight of American history. It was used in the White House after the British burned it in 1814, replacing the china destroyed in the fire. Madison purchased this French porcelain service in 1806 when he was Secretary of State, and it represents the early republic’s taste for French luxury.
Presidential china is among the most collected categories of American historical artifacts. The diamond shape makes this piece more desirable than standard plates, and its connection to one of America’s founding fathers adds immense historical value.
11. Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Set
• Sold: December 2018 for $16,250
• Era: 20th century
• Pattern: Flora Danica
The Flora Danica pattern is Royal Copenhagen’s most prestigious design. Each piece features hand-painted botanical illustrations copied from the original 18th-century Danish botanical encyclopedia. The precision required to paint these scientific illustrations makes every piece a work of art.
This 14-piece set represents hundreds of hours of skilled hand-painting. The Flora Danica pattern has been in continuous production for over 200 years, but sets this large and complete rarely come to market. The combination of scientific accuracy and artistic beauty makes these pieces eternally popular.
12. George IV Silver Vegetable Dish
• Sold: March 2010 for $10,157
• Era: 1826-1827
• Maker: Paul Storr
Paul Storr was the premier silversmith of the Regency period. His pieces were used by royalty and the highest levels of British society. This vegetable dish with its elaborate shell and scroll decoration represents the height of English silver craftsmanship.
The piece includes a silver liner sitting within a plated hot water dish, showing the attention to practical luxury that characterized the period. Storr’s mark alone adds thousands to the value of any piece. His reputation for quality and innovation made him the Tiffany of his era.
13. Gorham Partial Gilt Butter Dish
• Sold: November 2022 for $9,375
• Era: 1897
• Inscription: Gertrude Rhinelander Waldo
This butter dish represents the height of American Gilded Age luxury. Gorham was competing directly with European silversmiths and pieces like this prove they succeeded. The partial gilt finish was expensive even when new, requiring skilled craftsmen to apply gold selectively.
The inscription connects this piece to New York’s elite society. Gertrude Rhinelander Waldo was part of the city’s most prominent families, and having your name engraved on Gorham silver was a mark of serious social status. These personal connections add significant value for collectors.
14. William Bateman II Silver Vegetable Dish
• Sold: December 2024 for $8,750
• Era: 1826
• Maker: William Bateman II
The Bateman family were among London’s most respected silversmiths for over a century. William Bateman II continued the family tradition of exceptional quality that made their mark synonymous with the finest English silver. The Latin motto “Nemo Rosas Impune Lacessit” (No one provokes the roses with impunity) adds personal significance.
This dish weighs over 148 troy ounces, making it substantial even by period standards. The sheer amount of silver used represents serious wealth in an era when silver was far more valuable relative to wages than today.
15. Georg Jensen Blossom Vegetable Dish
• Sold: November 2024 for $7,812
• Era: circa 1930
• Designer: Georg Jensen
Georg Jensen revolutionized 20th-century silver design with his organic, Art Nouveau-inspired forms. The Blossom pattern is one of his most celebrated designs, featuring naturalistic flowers and leaves that seem to grow from the silver itself.
Danish silver from this period represents a completely different aesthetic from traditional English or American silver. Jensen’s designs were considered radical when new but have become some of the most sought-after 20th-century decorative arts. The combination of artistic innovation and exceptional craftsmanship makes these pieces timeless.
16. Herend Rothschild Bird Service
• Sold: November 2019 for $7,500
• Era: 20th century
• Pattern: Rothschild Bird
This 113-piece service represents Hungarian porcelain at its finest. The Rothschild Bird pattern tells the story of Baroness Rothschild’s lost pearl necklace, with each piece showing different birds that supposedly found the pearls. The whimsical story adds charm to the exceptional craftsmanship.
Herend has been making this pattern since the 1860s, but complete services this large are increasingly rare. Each bird is hand-painted with scientific accuracy, making every piece both decorative and educational. The combination of storytelling and artistry makes Herend particularly appealing to collectors.
17. Chinese Famille Rose Bajixiang Dish
• Sold: March 2025 for $6,562
• Era: Guangxu Period (1875-1908)
• Decoration: Eight Buddhist Emblems
This dish represents the final flowering of Chinese imperial porcelain. The Guangxu period marked the end of traditional Chinese ceramic arts before the fall of the Qing dynasty. The Eight Buddhist Emblems (Bajixiang) were considered especially auspicious and were reserved for important ceremonial pieces.
The grass-green enamel background was particularly difficult to achieve and required multiple firings. Pieces with this level of decoration were made for the imperial court or wealthy merchants who could afford the finest craftsmen. The iron-red Guangxu mark confirms its imperial provenance.
18. Sèvres Château des Tuileries Service
• Sold: December 2021 for $7,500
• Era: 1844-1867
• Pattern: Château des Tuileries
This service was made for Napoleon III’s court at the Tuileries Palace. The crowned interlaced Ls mark most pieces as royal property, while one cup bears Napoleon’s crowned N and is dated 1867. The celeste blue borders and hand-painted putti represent the height of French porcelain artistry.
Sèvres was the royal porcelain factory of France, and pieces made for the palace were never sold commercially. These dishes witnessed the final years of French imperial glory before the palace was destroyed during the Paris Commune in 1871. Their historical significance extends far beyond their artistic merit.
19. Daum Acid-Etched Violet Dresser Set
• Sold: December 2021 for $7,500
• Era: circa 1910
• Maker: Daum Nancy
The Daum brothers were masters of Art Nouveau glass, and their violet pieces are among their most celebrated works. The acid-etching and enameling techniques created realistic flower petals that seem to glow from within the glass. This three-piece set represents the complete Art Nouveau aesthetic.
Nancy was the center of the French Art Nouveau movement, and Daum pieces from this period are considered museum-quality art glass. The violet pattern was one of their most popular designs, but complete sets like this are increasingly rare as individual pieces have been separated over the decades.
20. Herend Queen Victoria Serving Set
• Sold: February 2014 for $5,312
• Era: 20th century
• Pattern: Queen Victoria
The Queen Victoria pattern was created specifically for the British royal family and remains one of Herend’s most prestigious designs. The green and gilt border with flowers and butterflies represents the height of Hungarian porcelain artistry. This 11-piece serving set shows the pattern’s versatility across different dish shapes.
Herend’s reputation for quality hand-painting makes their pieces particularly valuable. Each butterfly is individually painted, and no two pieces are exactly alike. The combination of royal provenance and exceptional craftsmanship makes Queen Victoria pattern pieces highly sought after.
21. Walt Disney Retlaw Dish Set
• Sold: May 2022 for $5,280
• Era: 1960s
• Connection: Walt Disney’s personal use
This extremely rare set was used in Walt Disney’s own conference room and was given directly to the consignor by Diane Disney Miller. Retlaw Enterprises was Walt’s family corporation (Walter spelled backward), making this set a piece of Disney history rather than just Disney collectibles.
The fact that this set was used by Walt Disney himself adds immense value beyond its rarity. Disney memorabilia from his personal life is extraordinarily scarce, and pieces with this level of provenance rarely come to market. The connection to America’s most famous animator makes this set unique.
22. Hermès Balcon du Guadalquivir Set
• Sold: December 2023 for $5,250
• Era: Modern
• Designer: Arielle de Brichambaut
This 28-piece set represents contemporary French luxury at its finest. The red and white porcelain design evokes the balconies of Seville, showing how modern designers draw inspiration from classic architectural elements. Hermès’ entry into fine porcelain has created a new category of collectible luxury.
The set includes everything from bread plates to a large tea and coffee pot, showing the French approach to comprehensive table service. Hermès’ reputation for quality extends beyond leather goods to every product they create, making their porcelain increasingly collectible.
23. Gideon Welles Neptune Silver Set
• Sold: November 2024 for $5,250
• Era: 19th century
• Original Owner: Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles
This set belonged to “Old Neptune” himself, Civil War Navy Secretary Gideon Welles. The Neptune motifs are perfect for the man who oversaw the Union Navy during America’s most critical period. The pitcher and dish have remained in the same family for generations, making this their first appearance at auction.
Presidential and Civil War memorabilia commands premium prices, but pieces with this level of personal connection are extraordinarily rare. Welles was instrumental in the Union victory, and his personal silver represents a tangible connection to American history.
24. Mughal-Style Spinach Jade Dish
• Sold: September 2024 for $5,250
• Era: 18th/19th century
• Style: Mughal
This dish represents the pinnacle of Mughal jade carving. The spinach jade color was particularly prized by Mughal emperors, and the overlapping petal design shows the Islamic influence on Indian decorative arts. The translucent quality of the jade makes this piece glow with inner light.
Mughal jade carving was a court art, and pieces of this quality were made for emperors and their closest courtiers. The techniques used to create this dish were closely guarded secrets passed down through generations of master carvers. The combination of material rarity and artistic excellence makes this dish museum-quality.
25. Dominick & Haff Japanesque Entree Dish
• Sold: October 2016 for $5,000
• Era: circa 1881
• Style: Japanesque
This dish represents the height of American Aesthetic Movement silver. The Japanesque style was incredibly fashionable in the 1880s, as Americans discovered Japanese art and design. The butterflies and blossoms show the influence of Japanese decorative arts on American craftsmanship.
Dominick & Haff were among New York’s premier silversmiths, and their Japanesque pieces are particularly sought after. The repoussé work required incredible skill to create the high-relief flowers and butterflies. The piece was retailed by Theodore B. Starr, adding another layer of luxury provenance.
26. Wood & Hughes Silver Lobster Dish
• Sold: May 2021 for $4,750
• Era: circa 1885
• Maker: Wood & Hughes
This whimsical dish shows the American love of naturalistic decoration. The applied lobster handles are both functional and decorative, representing the Victorian era’s fascination with bringing nature indoors. Wood & Hughes were known for their innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship.
The dish perfectly captures the Gilded Age’s love of elaborate table service. Having a specific dish just for lobster shows the level of luxury that wealthy Americans expected. The combination of practical use and artistic design makes this piece both beautiful and functional.
27. Lalique Cote d’Or Dish
• Sold: January 2023 for $4,500
• Era: circa 1943
• Maker: R. Lalique
René Lalique revolutionized glass design, and his dishes are among the most collected 20th-century decorative arts. The sepia patina adds warmth to the frosted glass, creating depth and visual interest. Lalique’s designs bridge the gap between Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
This dish was made during World War II, when luxury production was severely limited. Pieces from this period are particularly rare, as Lalique focused on essential items rather than decorative objects. The survival of this dish represents both artistic achievement and historical significance.
28. Reed & Barton Francis I Hollowware
• $5,500 • May 2023
This 15-piece Francis I pattern set represents one of America’s most enduring silver designs. Created in 1907, the pattern’s Renaissance-inspired decoration has remained popular for over a century. The variety of serving pieces shows the complete vision Reed & Barton had for formal dining.
The 219-ounce total weight represents a substantial investment in silver. The Francis I pattern’s popularity has remained constant, making pieces like this both beautiful and practical investments.
29. Tiffany Chrysanthemum Asparagus Dish
• Sold: May 2020 for $4,000
• Era: 1897
• Pattern: Chrysanthemum
Tiffany’s Chrysanthemum pattern represents American Art Nouveau at its finest. The pierced insert allowed asparagus to drain properly while the decorative base caught any liquid, showing the combination of function and beauty that characterized the best American silver.
The chrysanthemum was a symbol of autumn and longevity, making it perfect for a serving piece. Tiffany’s interpretation of the flower shows Japanese influence filtered through American sensibilities. The monogram AMR adds personal history to this exceptional piece.
30. Tiffany Chrysanthemum Dish with Mazarin
• $4,000 • May 2021
This later Tiffany piece (1907-1947) in the same chrysanthemum pattern shows the design’s enduring popularity. The mazarin (pierced insert) demonstrates Tiffany’s practical approach to serving pieces. The pattern’s Japanese influence remained fashionable well into the 20th century.
The substantial weight of over 41 troy ounces makes this a serious serving piece. Tiffany’s consistency in both design and quality created pieces that have remained desirable for over a century.
31. Gorham Silver Covered Serving Set
• Sold: April 2019 for $5,250
• Era: 1911
• Maker: Gorham Manufacturing
This three-piece set represents the height of American silver craftsmanship. Gorham was America’s premier silversmith, competing directly with the finest European manufacturers. The matching set shows the American preference for coordinated table service.
The monogram ERS connects this set to a specific family, adding personal history to the artistic achievement. Sets this complete and well-preserved are increasingly rare, as many have been broken up over the decades. The combination of maker, date, and completeness makes this set particularly valuable.
32. Victorian Silver Vegetable Dish
• Sold: April 2017 for $3,625
• Era: 1863
• Maker: Henry Holland
This dish represents the height of Victorian silver design. The elaborate floriform finial and chased scrollwork show the Victorian love of naturalistic decoration. Henry Holland was part of the prestigious Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater partnership, ensuring the highest quality.
The griffin armorial engraving adds heraldic significance to this piece. Victorian silver was meant to impress, and pieces like this were central to the elaborate dining rituals of the era. The combination of artistic achievement and social history makes this dish a perfect example of its period.
33. Victorian Majolica Game Dish
• Sold: May 2010 for $3,585
• Era: circa 1875
• Maker: George Jones & Sons
This majolica dish represents the Victorian love of whimsical table service. The basket form with rabbit frieze and woodcock cover shows the era’s fascination with bringing the hunt to the dining table. George Jones was one of the premier majolica manufacturers.
Majolica was the Victorian era’s answer to fine porcelain, using vibrant glazes to create colorful and often humorous serving pieces. This game dish would have been the centerpiece of a country house dinner, celebrating the day’s hunting success. The combination of artistry and social history makes this piece particularly appealing.
34. Buccellati Silver Shell Dish
• Sold: November 2022 for $3,500
• Era: late 20th century
• Maker: Gianmaria Buccellati
This shell-form dish represents the continuation of Italian silver craftsmanship into the modern era. Buccellati’s reputation for exceptional hand-engraving makes their pieces highly sought after by collectors who appreciate traditional techniques. The naturalistic shell form shows the Italian love of organic design.
Even though this piece is relatively modern, Buccellati’s reputation for quality and their use of traditional techniques makes their silver increasingly collectible. The hand-engraving requires the same skills used for centuries, connecting this piece to Italy’s long tradition of silver craftsmanship.
35. Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Dish
• Sold: May 2006 for $3,346
• Era: Mid-20th century
• Pattern: Flora Danica
This covered serving dish shows the Flora Danica pattern’s versatility beyond standard place settings. The botanical illustration of Polygonum nodosum demonstrates the scientific accuracy that makes this pattern so distinctive. The pink and gilt border adds elegance to the educational content.
Flora Danica pieces were originally created for Catherine the Great of Russia, though she died before the service was completed. The pattern’s combination of scientific accuracy and artistic beauty has made it one of the most enduring porcelain designs. Large serving pieces like this are particularly rare and valuable.
Conclusion
Walking through this list of the most valuable antique dishes ever sold, I’m struck by how diverse and fascinating this collecting field really is. From Ming Dynasty porcelain to modern Hermès luxury, the range of styles, periods, and prices shows that there’s something for every collector and budget.
What these pieces all share is exceptional quality, historical significance, and rarity. The market has clearly recognized that the finest antique dishes are genuine works of art that happen to be functional objects. Whether you’re drawn to Chinese imperial porcelain, Russian imperial silver, or American Gilded Age luxury, the key is understanding what makes each piece special.
The next time you’re browsing an estate sale or antique shop, remember what you’ve learned here. That overlooked dish in the corner might be your ticket to joining this exclusive list. The thrill of discovery is what makes collecting antique dishes so addictive, and now you know exactly what to look for.
