Platter c. 1700 - 1720

This platter was made by the Rouen Potteries, a centre of faience production in France, renowned for its tin-glazed earthenware. The piece features a symmetrical design in cobalt blue on a white ground, typical of the "Persian Blue" style that gained popularity from the 17th century. The choice of the color and the floral and geometric motifs point to the potent cultural exchange between Europe and the East during the period of burgeoning trade routes. These potteries often imitated expensive porcelain from China and Japan, making such fashionable designs available to a wider consumer base. It served as an alternative to luxurious goods for the growing bourgeoisie. Looking closely, we can see how the formal qualities are intertwined with economic and social aspirations of the time. Art historical research, combined with economic data and studies of trade routes, helps us understand the complex interplay between aesthetics, commerce, and class in the creation and consumption of such objects.