Dinner plate c. 1865

This dinner plate was crafted by Minton's Pottery and Porcelain Factory, displaying a rich array of symbolic motifs. Dominating the plate's center is a dragon-like figure, surrounded by classical faces, foliage, and shields, all rendered in warm colors. The dragon, a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune in many Eastern cultures, finds an interesting echo in the West as well. We might consider how the classical faces evoke ideas of wisdom and intellectualism that reach back to ancient Greece and Rome. Similar motifs can be found in Renaissance paintings and architecture, indicating a cyclical return to classical ideals. These symbols work on a subconscious level, stirring a potent blend of emotions and cultural associations within us. Their presence speaks to an enduring fascination with power, wisdom, and protection. This visual language transcends time and geographical boundaries, reminding us of the ever-present currents of history and the collective unconscious.