Plate c. 1770

This plate was made at the Niderviller Pottery and Porcelain Factory, and it's a great example of how ceramics bridged the fine and decorative arts. The plate begins with humble materials: clay, glaze, and pigments. But these are transformed through skillful processes. First, the clay is shaped, then fired at high temperatures. Next, the delicate floral design is carefully painted by hand before being glazed and fired again. Notice the central rose, and the smaller sprigs around the rim, all rendered with precision and care. While a piece like this might have been displayed, the factory production indicates that the creation of these plates involved a division of labor, with different workers responsible for molding, firing, and painting. So, despite its delicate appearance, this plate is also a product of early industrial processes. Ultimately, appreciating the craft and labor that went into this plate reminds us that even everyday objects can be carriers of cultural meaning.