Butter Pat 1885

This Butter Pat, made of porcelain by the Union Porcelain Works, presents a study in miniature design. Its rectangular form, softened by octagonal corners, immediately draws the eye, offering a delicate balance between geometric precision and subtle curvature. The decoration is minimal yet meticulously applied. A thin gilded line traces the perimeter, framing a series of stylized floral motifs. These motifs, rendered in soft shades of teal and gold, create a rhythmic pattern that enlivens the white porcelain surface. The composition is anchored by two circular medallions, positioned at the top and bottom, which mirror the surrounding ornamentation. The careful arrangement of these elements suggests a structuralist approach, where meaning is derived from the relationships between parts. The repetitive floral pattern and symmetrical layout emphasize the object’s function as a mass-produced item, yet the hand-painted details imbue it with a sense of individual craftsmanship. This tension between standardization and uniqueness is central to understanding the object's aesthetic and cultural value.