Why “The Three Little Pigs” Collector Plate by Scott Gustafson Still Commands Attention

Knowles China – 1991 – Bradex 84-K41-112.3

Collectors of storybook art and classic fairy-tale décor understand something casual buyers often miss: not all nostalgia is equal. Some pieces rely on trend-based sentiment. Others endure because they were created with illustrative integrity, narrative depth, and material permanence. The Three Little Pigs collector plate produced by
China Company in 1991 belongs firmly in the second category.

This plate, illustrated by Scott Gustafson, is part of a carefully produced fairy-tale series that reflects a period when collector plates were still treated as legitimate art objects — not novelty merchandise. More than three decades later, it continues to attract buyers who value illustration, storytelling, and craftsmanship over mass-market appeal.

The Enduring Power of Classic Fairy Tales

Fairy tales like The Three Little Pigs have survived centuries not because they are cute, but because they are symbolic. They convey lessons about effort, foresight, and resilience — themes that resonate across generations.

When translated into visual art, these stories carry emotional weight that modern décor often lacks. Collectors and décor buyers alike are drawn to pieces that reference shared cultural memory without relying on modern branding or character licensing.

This is why fairy-tale plates from the late 20th century remain relevant today. They connect childhood memory with adult appreciation for craftsmanship.

Why Scott Gustafson’s Illustrations Matter

Scott Gustafson is widely recognized among collectors for his richly detailed, painterly approach to fairy-tale illustration. His work is not cartoonish or simplified. Instead, it blends realism with imagination, creating scenes that feel immersive and timeless.

In the Three Little Pigs plate, Gustafson’s style is immediately evident:

• layered detail rather than flat imagery
• expressive characters without exaggeration
• warm, storybook color palettes
• balanced composition suitable for display

Collectors familiar with his work know that Gustafson illustrations retain appeal well beyond the period in which they were created. His fairy-tale art is frequently sought after in book illustration, prints, and decorative collectibles.

Artist attribution is not decorative — it is structural to value. Buyers trust pieces that are clearly tied to known illustrators because authorship signals intention and quality.

Knowles China and the Era of Serious Collector Plates

By the early 1990s, Knowles China Company had established itself as a producer of fine decorative plates that emphasized:

• controlled production runs
• high-quality porcelain
• detailed backstamps and documentation
• artist-driven designs

The Three Little Pigs plate was produced during this mature phase of collectible plate manufacturing, before later industry declines and overproduction diluted quality across the market.

Collectors today often prefer plates from this era because they represent a balance between:

• durability and age
• availability and scarcity
• artistry and collectibility

Understanding the Bradex Number

The presence of a Bradex number (84-K41-112.3) is significant for serious buyers. Bradex numbers are used to catalog and identify specific collector plates, helping distinguish:

• series placement
• issue order
• production lineage

For collectors, Bradex numbers provide reassurance that the plate is not a reproduction or unverified decorative item. They also allow buyers to research comparable plates and confirm authenticity.

Plates lacking this level of identification often sit unsold longer, regardless of appearance.

Who Buys This Plate Today?

The buyer pool for the Three Little Pigs collector plate is broader than many expect:

1. Fairy-Tale Art Collectors

Buyers who actively collect classic fairy-tale illustrations often seek Gustafson’s work across multiple formats.

2. Nursery & Storybook Décor Buyers

The plate’s imagery works well in child-themed spaces without relying on licensed characters.

3. Vintage Decorative Plate Collectors

Collectors focusing on 1980s–1990s plates recognize Knowles as a quality manufacturer.

4. Gift Buyers Seeking Meaningful Pieces

Unlike generic décor, fairy-tale art carries symbolic value and emotional familiarity.

Because these buyer groups overlap, well-presented examples sell steadily rather than unpredictably.

Condition and Presentation Drive Decisions

Experienced buyers do not need persuasion — they need clarity. Plates that show:

• clean artwork
• intact glazing
• legible backstamp text
• honest condition disclosure

convert faster than listings that rely on dramatic language or vague descriptions.

The Three Little Pigs plate benefits from being visually rich and immediately recognizable, reducing buyer hesitation when condition is clearly documented.

Availability on the Secondary Market

Original production of this plate ended decades ago. All examples available today come from private ownership, estates, or long-term collections. Over time, many plates have been damaged, lost, or permanently retained by collectors.

This means:

• supply gradually decreases
• clean examples become more selective
• buyers act when condition and documentation align

A verified example of the Knowles “The Three Little Pigs” Collector Plate (1991) by Scott Gustafson is currently available here:

👉 https://www.ebay.com/usr/reswap

Final Perspective for Serious Buyers

This plate represents more than nostalgia. It reflects a moment when fairy-tale illustration, fine porcelain, and collectible intent aligned.

For buyers who value:

• classic storytelling
• recognized illustration
• documented production
• and lasting decorative appeal

the Three Little Pigs collector plate remains a confident, finished choice — not a speculative one.