Plate 1827 - 1830

This delicate plate was created by the New England Glass Company sometime between 1818 and 1888. Notice its circular form, a shape that immediately suggests wholeness and continuity. The plate is rendered in a soft, milky glass, its surface adorned with subtly raised patterns. These repeating motifs, reminiscent of shells and floral bursts, are distributed around the rim, creating a rhythmic visual texture. The choice of a monochromatic palette underscores the emphasis on form and texture over color. The interplay of light and shadow across the raised patterns gives the plate a tactile quality, inviting a closer inspection. Consider the implications of this design. The circular shape and the decorative elements create a sense of containment and order, suggesting a world in miniature. The plate, as a functional object, transcends its utilitarian purpose, becoming a canvas for exploring ideas about structure, symmetry, and the subtle beauty of repeated forms. The New England Glass Company asks us to consider the aesthetic potential of everyday objects.