Meat Dish c. 1775

This collection of late 18th or early 19th century pearlware dishes was crafted by an anonymous maker in Staffordshire, England. The creation and use of these dishes reflect the intricate relationship between wealth, social status, and domestic life during that era. Back then, dining wasn't just about sustenance; it was a performance. The arrangement of the table, the serving dishes, and the food itself were carefully orchestrated to convey a sense of refinement and affluence. In this context, even seemingly simple objects like these plates became potent symbols of identity and aspiration. Their subtle decoration is meant to convey both taste and wealth. While these pearlware dishes may appear genteel and refined, it's important to consider the historical and economic systems that enabled their production and consumption. The exploitation of labor, the availability of raw materials, and the dynamics of global trade all played a role in shaping the material culture of the time. These dishes reflect a world of social stratification, where access to luxury items was determined by one's position in society.