No. 5 c. 1780

This is No. 5, made by the Porcelain Axe Factory, a ceramic plate with a blue illustration. Its delicate rendering invites us to consider the relationship between maritime exploration and cultural identity. The plate shows ships on a wavy sea with a detailed sky. The image evokes the grand narratives of Dutch maritime power, and global trade. These ships were essential for the Netherlands’ colonial expansion, which was motivated by economic and political dominance. But what are the darker truths beneath the surface of this seemingly innocuous dish? The ships were also vehicles of exploitation. The relationship between the Netherlands and its colonies was far from benign. It raises questions about whose stories are told and whose are left out. Consider how we might use the plate as a point of departure to challenge conventional representations of history. Perhaps, it serves as a poignant reminder to explore the complexities of our shared past.