Soup plate (part of a set of three) 1866 - 1875

Curator: Here we have a soup plate, part of a set of three, crafted by F\u00e9lix Bracquemond between 1866 and 1875. The piece, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a stunning example of decorative ceramic work. Editor: Immediately, the charming asymmetry jumps out at me. The flowers and insects feel playfully scattered around the plate, creating this delicate, almost ephemeral quality. Curator: Bracquemond's Japonisme influence is undeniable. We see it manifesting in the asymmetrical composition, departing from the formal dining traditions of the time. It’s a subtle rebellion expressed through a household object. Editor: Precisely! Look at the irises, for example. In Japanese art, irises often symbolize protection and purification. Placing them here elevates a simple plate to something imbued with deeper cultural significance, almost like a talisman at the table. Curator: The choice of depicting insects too is interesting. While some might see them as pests, they hold their own symbolic weight. Editor: Yes! In many cultures, insects represent transformation, diligence, and even the souls of ancestors. Their inclusion here speaks to the transient nature of life, reminding us to appreciate the present moment, even while eating soup! Curator: Indeed. Bracquemond wasn’t just designing tableware; he was contributing to a larger movement questioning the boundaries between art and everyday life. The market for art became larger when these functional wares were deemed as art. Editor: And it succeeded in entering daily life with grace and significance. It encourages us to see beauty and meaning in unexpected places and to appreciate how art can transform our experiences, one meal at a time. Curator: This plate, like the movement to democratize art at the time, is proof that functional and decorative objects can hold meaningful ideas about culture and the passage of time. Editor: Looking at this plate has refreshed my perspective on familiar symbols. I will definitely view nature's details differently, moving forward.