Fruit dish 1765 - 1775

Editor: So, this ceramic "Fruit Dish," crafted sometime between 1765 and 1775 by the Dreye Porceleyne Flesschen, gives off a light, playful vibe. The Rococo style, the floral arrangements, the bird perched on top…it feels so celebratory! What strikes you most when you look at this piece? Curator: Oh, darling, this isn't just a dish; it's a flirtation with form! Think about it: they’re taking a practical object and lavishing it with a wild, untamed garden. The asymmetry! The audacious curves of the rim practically dance, don’t they? But here’s a fun question: what kind of story do you think those somewhat randomly placed, odd motifs around the edge are trying to tell us? Are they mere ornamentation, or is there a hidden code we’re missing? Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn’t thought about the elements around the edges as trying to suggest something narrative, beyond their decorative qualities. Perhaps, together with the central display, they express a feeling, rather than a set narrative. How do you think it compares with other works of decorative art from the Rococo era? Curator: Well, Rococo loves excess, doesn't it? This dish echoes that with its abundant floral displays, but it’s also grounded by its purpose, isn’t it? It's like a controlled explosion of beauty. Compared to, say, a fully gilded and ornamented piece of furniture from the period, there's a sense of whimsy here, a touch of restrained madness! Editor: I love that – a touch of restrained madness! Looking at it that way, the bird and the asymmetrical design seem much more rebellious and characterful. Curator: Exactly! And isn't that the best kind of art? The kind that invites you to peek beneath the pretty surface and find something wonderfully subversive? Editor: Absolutely. It’s like this dish is whispering a secret, daring you to join the party! Curator: Indeed. Now, I will look at fruit bowls in a completely different way, next time.