Oval dish with the arms of the Van der Parra family c. 1750 - 1774

Here is an oval dish with the arms of the Van der Parra family, made anonymously with porcelain. At first glance, the composition is symmetrical, with the family crest acting as a focal point, framed by floral decorations. The dish's undulating rim, lined with green and gold, contrasts with the smooth, white porcelain, creating a play of textures. The application of color is delicate, yet deliberate, evoking a sense of refinement. The symbolic language here speaks to identity and status. The family crest, prominently displayed, serves as a signifier of lineage, while the surrounding floral motifs introduce a layer of natural beauty. These emblems suggest a dialogue between self-representation and aesthetic sensibility, reflecting the cultural values of the time. Notice how the use of porcelain as a medium elevates the status of a simple dish to that of an art object, embodying both form and symbolic content. The dish exists not merely as a functional item, but as a statement of cultural identity.