Dish c. 1715

Editor: This is an earthenware dish made by the Staffordshire Potteries around 1715, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. I’m struck by how decorative it is! What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: Initially, the contrasting hues create a compelling tension across its surface. Do you perceive how the earthy ochre ground accentuates the darker motifs, primarily in shades of brown and black? Editor: Yes, the darker colors make the floral patterns pop, and the shapes draw my eye to the center of the dish. What can you tell me about those shapes? Curator: Examine the symmetry carefully. The stylized floral arrangement radiating from the centre is an exercise in applied geometry. The arrangement is contained within the unusual octagonal boundary of the form. Editor: The more I look, the more I see the layers of design. There's the inner design, a border of dots, then another pattern before reaching the edge. Curator: The successive layers invite contemplation. Have you observed the contrasting textures which offer additional insights into the maker's meticulous manipulation of material to obtain a diverse visual outcome? Editor: I see how the glossy finish interacts with the matte patterns to provide texture and reflection. It really enhances the overall aesthetic of the dish. Thank you for helping me appreciate it on a deeper level. Curator: It’s my pleasure. Appreciating form and structure unlocks access to many art objects.