Dinner plate c. 1865

This dinner plate, made of porcelain by Minton's Pottery and Porcelain Factory, presents an intriguing narrative of cultural exchange and power dynamics. The design reflects the European fascination with Asian aesthetics, a phenomenon known as "chinoiserie" which was popular in the 18th and 19th century. While seemingly decorative, the plate hints at a more complex relationship between East and West, of trade, colonialism, and cultural appropriation. The central motif is a sinuous dragon that becomes a potent symbol of identity and cultural imposition. The dragon, often perceived as a symbol of power and divinity, here seems to be re-appropriated by the English manufacturer. Consider for a moment how this plate might have been used. Was it a display of wealth, a conversation piece, or something else entirely? How does it reflect the emotional landscape of the era when items like this were made and used? It offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between personal taste and global politics.