Plate 1876 - 1888

This porcelain plate was created by Haviland & Co., a company that navigated the shifting landscape of industrial production during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, owning decorative objects like this plate became a marker of social status, reflecting the aspirations and values of the bourgeoisie. The plate’s design merges the aesthetics of aristocracy with the efficiency of mass production. The dark blue band, elaborate gold leaf patterns and monogram evoke a sense of luxury and exclusivity traditionally associated with the upper classes. Yet, produced on a large scale, it also hints at the democratization of taste and the changing dynamics of wealth in an era of industrial expansion. It is interesting to consider how it served both to reinforce and redefine social hierarchies, inviting questions about who had access to beauty and refinement during this time.