Dish with vertical borders c. 1765 - 1770

This dish with vertical borders was produced by the Porzellanmanufaktur Frankenthal, using hard-paste porcelain. The flawless white body of the dish provides a canvas for its elaborate decoration. Notice the gilded and cobalt-blue ornamentation; these weren't simply painted on, they were carefully applied and then fired at high temperatures, which resulted in the vibrant colors and lasting finish. The wavey form of this dish, combined with the complexity of its painted design, would have required the labor of many skilled hands. In its time, porcelain was a luxury commodity, synonymous with wealth and refinement. This dish reflects the sophisticated tastes of the era, but also the intense effort involved in its production. The division of labor in porcelain manufacture – from mining the raw materials, to mixing the paste, forming, firing, and decorating the final product – speaks volumes about the social context in which it was created. Paying close attention to the materials, processes, and context allows us to appreciate the dish as more than just a pretty object.