Dinner plate c. 1865

This dinner plate was made by Minton's Pottery and Porcelain Factory. Serving ware like this gives us a glimpse into the cultural values and social hierarchies of its time. Elaborately decorated porcelain, like this, would have been a staple in upper-class households, embodying wealth, taste, and refinement. Each carefully chosen motif and design element tells a story about the family's status and aspirations. Looking at this plate, consider the labor involved in its creation. Who were the anonymous artisans whose skills brought it to life? Whose hands laid the glaze? Porcelain was a global commodity that fueled colonial trade routes, often produced using raw materials extracted from colonized lands. As you ponder its beauty, consider the power dynamics embedded within this seemingly innocuous object. What does it mean to consume art and history with every meal?