Quatrefoil Dish c. 1800

This "Quatrefoil Dish" was created by Wedgwood in 1759, it reflects the aesthetic and social values of its time through porcelain. During the 18th century, the rise of the British Empire and its colonial enterprises profoundly influenced the decorative arts. Porcelain dishes like these became emblems of wealth and sophistication, adorning the tables of the elite. The delicate green botanical decorations weren't just pretty; they symbolized a fascination with nature and the exotic, fueled by botanical expeditions. Wedgwood, as a manufacturer, participated in a complex interplay of art, commerce, and social status. His creations catered to the desires of a burgeoning middle class eager to emulate the aristocracy. Yet, this very elegance was built on a foundation of labor and resources extracted from colonized lands. What stories do these dishes conceal about the global networks of trade and power of the time? This "Quatrefoil Dish" embodies both the beauty and the contradictions inherent in its historical moment.