Plate 1770 - 1775

This plate was made in Chantilly, France, from soft-paste porcelain. What makes porcelain special is its transformation in the kiln, vitrifying into a dense, non-porous material. The body of the plate has a distinctive woven texture, which would have been achieved either through molding or by pressing the soft clay against a textured surface. Once fired, the surface was hand-painted with delicate floral sprigs in blue. The skill of the painter is evident in the fine lines and subtle shading, each motif carefully placed to create a balanced yet asymmetrical composition. The plate is a product of skilled labor, combining the expertise of the potter, decorator, and kiln master. It represents not only the refined taste of its original owner, but also the collective effort of many hands. By appreciating the complex processes involved in its creation, we move beyond traditional art-historical categories.