Hi Tim,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The mark Fischer J. / Budapest refers to wares made by Ignác (Ignace or Ignaz) Fischer, a Hungarian ceramic and porcelain manufacturer based in Budapest (originally Pest before unification). Fischer started his own pottery/porcelain works in the mid-1860s (around 1864–1867) after training at the famous Herend factory. The original factory operated independently until about 1895, when the business was absorbed by the larger Zsolnay ceramics company of Pécs.

Pieces range from decorative porcelain, faience and Hard-paste porcelain to highly ornate vases, reticulated wares, puzzle jugs, pitchers, and ornamental ceramics. Decorations often include hand-painted floral and figurative motifs, gilding, cobalt blue highlights, and sometimes reticulated (pierced) work.

Pieces comparable to yours and also bearing that mark have sold at auction in recent years for prices ranging from $400 to $600.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Ignaz Fischer hand-painted earthenware centerpiece dish
made in Budapest, late 19th Century
Of asymmetrical shell form, with multicolored hand-painted elements, marked to the underside.
8 by 10 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$400-600*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia