Plate c. 1829

This blue and white earthenware plate was produced in the Staffordshire Potteries, and presents a captivating scene. In the center, you'll notice an anchor entwined with a rope, a classical symbol deeply rooted in maritime traditions, representing hope and steadfastness amidst the unpredictable sea. This motif, born from the practicalities of seafaring, echoes across millennia, from ancient Roman coinage to naval insignia. The anchor is not merely a tool, but a potent emblem of stability. It is a symbol of hope, and a subconscious reminder of the human desire to be grounded. But what happens when such a steadfast symbol is placed on a plate, destined for the domestic sphere? Does it become a talisman, a quiet wish for stability in the everyday? Observe how symbols resurface, evolving, acquiring new layers of meaning with each passing era.