Plate 1808

This anonymous earthenware plate, dated 1808, is a simple yet striking example of folk art. The plate's rich brown glaze provides a rustic backdrop for the white-slip design of a rooster and wavy lines, possibly depicting water. The rooster, a symbol of vigilance and good fortune, is depicted in a stylized, almost naive manner, adding to the charm of this utilitarian object. The plate, now housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, is a reminder of the enduring appeal of folk art and its ability to capture the everyday beauty of ordinary objects.