Dinner plate c. 1865

This dinner plate was crafted by Minton's Pottery and Porcelain Factory. The initial visual impact is one of intricate symmetry, with the circular form of the plate acting as a canvas for a complex arrangement of decorative motifs in reds, golds, and whites. The plate is more than just a vessel, it is a structured field where ornament and utility converge. The concentric bands of design operate as a system of signs. Each element, from the stylized figures to the geometric patterns, contributes to a larger narrative. The central motif disrupts the regularity, inviting a focus that destabilizes the overall symmetry. This subtle displacement encourages the viewer to question the harmony of the composition, prompting a deeper consideration of its individual components. The texture of the porcelain lends a tactile dimension to the design, engaging the senses beyond the visual. The play of light on the glazed surface accentuates the plate's formal structure. It underscores how this dinner plate functions not just as a functional object but as a complex site of cultural and aesthetic dialogue.