Platter (one of a set) 1740 - 1750

Editor: This is a porcelain platter, likely one of a set, made by the Doccia Porcelain Manufactory between 1740 and 1750. What strikes me is how the artist has combined a vaguely Chinese figure in elaborate robes with this frankly rather gruesome image of a bird eating a snake! How do you interpret this juxtaposition? Curator: It’s curious, isn’t it? I feel like I’ve stumbled into someone’s dream. It has this whimsical rococo border, flowers and gilded trim. Yet right there in the center – bam! – is the exotic and violent tableau of the bird. It reminds us that beauty is always a negotiation; there’s usually a little shadow play going on, wouldn’t you say? Editor: That makes sense. I suppose I was expecting a harmony that’s just not there. The contrast is pretty in your face. Is it supposed to symbolize something? Curator: It could be a conscious commentary, a satirical jab at the fashion for chinoiserie that was sweeping Europe. These pieces often mixed Eastern motifs with Western sensibilities—sometimes a little awkwardly! Or perhaps the artist simply relished the shock value. What do you think? Editor: I didn’t realize how popular Chinese styles were in Europe back then! Seeing the "snake-bird" I almost disregarded it. What's odd is it kind of grew on me after realizing the commentary element. Thanks so much for opening my eyes and prompting the thought; otherwise I think it might have been easy to write it off without a second thought. Curator: It’s funny, isn’t it, how things that initially jar us can ultimately fascinate us. A little visual dissonance can sometimes be exactly what an old soul needs! It adds character, makes one wonder if everything’s alright.