Plate c. 1775

This set of creamware plates and serving dishes was made by an anonymous maker, date unknown. Creamware was a type of refined earthenware that became popular in the mid-18th century, particularly in England. It’s fascinating to consider how this seemingly simple set reflects broader social and economic shifts of the time. Creamware emerged during a period of industrial innovation and growing consumerism. Factories began mass-producing goods for a burgeoning middle class. This tableware is interesting because it mimics the look of expensive porcelain, making fashionable dining more accessible to a wider range of people. But who was included in that range, and who wasn’t? This set speaks to the increasing importance of display and social status in an era of rapid social change. By studying trade routes, factory records, and household inventories, historians can piece together a more complete picture of the cultural significance of objects like this. The meaning of art depends so much on its social and institutional context.