Dish 1763

This dish was made by Felice Clerici in 18th-century Italy from earthenware. The white glazed surface that you see is the result of tin-glazing, a popular method at the time for imitating expensive porcelain. It's important to note that earthenware is quite porous, and the tin glaze ensured the plate was watertight. The charming scenes that decorate the plate are painted by hand directly onto the glazed surface, using metallic pigments to produce the colorful designs. Look closely, and you’ll notice the brushstrokes that bring the figures to life. While the scene seems whimsical, such tablewares were often made in multiples and treated casually, as part of a dining service. But the artist’s skill in painting such a scene challenges the traditional divide between fine art and craft, and reminds us that beauty and artistry can be found in unexpected places. The plate not only served a utilitarian purpose but also brought a touch of elegance to the dining experience.