Plate 1720 - 1899

This plate was made by the "Greek A" Factory. It’s a piece of porcelain, of course, which means it starts with very fine clay, carefully prepared and then spun on a wheel, or perhaps cast in a mold. But the real story here is in the decoration. Notice the intricate floral patterns, carefully hand-painted in cobalt blue underglaze. This wasn't just a matter of artistic inspiration; it was a highly skilled process, involving the precise application of pigment before the final firing. The term "factory" gives it away: this plate is a product of early industry. The decoration evokes the luxury and refinement of the court, but it was only made possible by the division of labor. Perhaps this piece was intended for export, catering to European tastes for exotic chinoiserie. The beauty of this plate lies not only in its delicate design but also in understanding the social and economic forces that shaped its creation. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the hands that made it.