Soup Plate 1762 - 1766

This soup plate was made by the Russian Imperial Porcelain Factory from, of course, porcelain. Porcelain is a refined type of ceramic made from a specific clay called kaolin, and fired at high temperatures. The appeal of porcelain lies in its smooth, white surface, its ability to be molded precisely, and the way it can be painted with vibrant colors that permanently fuse to the surface in the kiln. This plate is typical of luxury porcelain tableware, decorated with painted motifs, gilding, and ornamental patterns. Imperial porcelain factories, like the one that made this plate, were established to serve the needs of the ruling class, and to produce objects that would symbolize power, wealth, and refinement. Each stage of the porcelain production, from mixing the clay to painting the final details, required skilled artisans and specialized labor, making the production process a complex combination of craft and early industrial practices. In this context, the design and ornamentation of the plate are not merely decorative, but signs of social status. This object challenges our preconceptions of what constitutes art by emphasizing the importance of materials, craft, and social context in understanding its full meaning.