Schotel van faïence c. 1750 - 1790

This faience plate was made by De Porceleyne Byl, a Dutch pottery, and exemplifies the historical connections between craft traditions and global trade. The plate's earthenware body has a tin glaze, which creates a bright white surface for decoration. Notice the cobalt oxide pigment used for the blue decoration. The motifs of stylized flowers and birds, typical of Delftware, reflect the influence of Chinese porcelain, which was highly sought after in Europe. These plates were made using molds, with hand-painted decoration applied on top. The application of these repeatable patterns called for careful work. This kind of specialized, moderately mechanized production was typical of the era, poised between handcraft and industrialization. The popularity of Delftware highlights the intertwined relationship between aesthetics, consumerism, and international commerce, underscoring the fact that even seemingly simple objects can carry complex cultural meanings. Appreciating the history of its making encourages us to consider the social and economic contexts that shaped its creation.