Dinner plate 1840 - 1850

This porcelain dinner plate, made by Couderc-Bucher in the mid-19th century, exemplifies the industrialization of luxury. Porcelain, a refined, thin, and translucent ceramic, was prized for its delicate beauty. Yet, its production was labor-intensive, demanding skilled artisans for each stage from mixing the clay to painting the intricate designs. Look closely, and you can see the repeating net pattern around the rim, likely applied using transfer printing, a technique developed to speed up decoration. The central crest, hinting at nobility, suggests this plate was intended for a wealthy clientele, eager to display their status through fashionable tableware. The plate embodies both the artistry of handcraft and the efficiencies of industrial production. By considering its material and manufacture, we appreciate how this object bridges the divide between fine art and design, reflecting the social and economic forces shaping its creation.