Platter 1826 - 1836

This platter was made by J. and J. Jackson, and can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While we don't have an exact date, it's important to situate this piece within the history of ceramic production, particularly in the context of British industrialization and trade. The mass production of ceramics allowed for the distribution of idealized landscapes which reflected notions of progress, ownership, and control over both nature and society. Here, a romanticized scene serves as a backdrop for everyday life, yet it subtly reinforces a social hierarchy. The architecture and manicured gardens imply a world of leisure and affluence, a stark contrast to the labor that sustained such lifestyles. This imagery not only decorates the platter but also implicitly celebrates a particular social order. The platter serves as a reminder of how everyday objects can carry complex narratives about culture, identity, and power. It invites us to consider the stories we consume and how they shape our understanding of the world.