Dish c. 1700

This dish was made by the Frankfurt-am-Main Pottery, its exact date is unknown. Observe how the composition radiates from the dish’s center, where a bird stands amidst stylized flora. The color palette is restrained yet vibrant, dominated by yellows and blues that create a visual harmony. The artist balances organic and geometric forms, setting a naturalistic subject within an abstract design. Consider the semiotic implications of this piece. The bird, a recurring motif in decorative arts, symbolizes freedom and nature, yet it’s confined within the circular boundary of the dish, suggesting a tension between nature and culture. The floral patterns, while decorative, also carry symbolic weight, possibly alluding to themes of growth and abundance. Finally, take note of the scalloped edge of the dish. This detail transforms a utilitarian object into a work of art that functions aesthetically. It is also part of a larger discourse of craftsmanship, consumerism, and the cultural values embedded in everyday objects. This dish serves not only as a functional item but also as a canvas for conveying cultural meanings.