Plate c. 1500 - 1550

This footed plate was made by an anonymous maker, and it is constructed from earthenware with a coating of glaze. Its form, thrown on a potter's wheel, speaks to the history of ceramics. But the addition of a clear glaze and pigments transform this functional object into something more. The glaze, pooling and crackling in the kiln's heat, covers the red and gold decoration, creating a unique pattern on each plate. It hints at the tremendous amount of labor involved in the production, from digging the clay to applying the glaze and firing the kiln. Despite its anonymous origins, the plate connects us to the broader social context of its creation. It bridges the gap between utilitarian craft and artistic expression. Through the maker's skilled hands, this humble material embodies both practicality and aesthetic beauty, reminding us that art exists not only in galleries but also in the everyday objects that enrich our lives.