Platter c. 1700 - 1720

This platter was made by Rouen Potteries from earthenware, covered in a tin-based glaze called faience, and painted with blue decoration. The process begins with shaping the clay, after which it is fired, then dipped in the glaze. At this point, the painter applies the design, which is fired again to fix it permanently. The white ground of the platter has a slightly soft, matte quality owing to the tin content of the glaze. The blue designs are clearly hand-painted, with a flowing, casual quality that is typical of this ware. Every indentation around the edge of the rim and swirling foliate form is meticulously rendered, calling attention to the immense amount of labor that went into its production. At the time these potteries were active, such wares were very popular. But it's important to remember that objects like this were not just pretty things; they were products of an increasingly industrialized world, where craft skills were being deployed to meet growing consumer demand. We can appreciate the beauty of this platter, but also recognize the social and economic context that gave rise to its making.