Serving Dish with Lattice Edge from a Royal Berlin China Service c. 20th century

This serving dish, part of a Royal Berlin China service, presents a vibrant tableau rendered with ceramic and glaze. The composition is immediately striking: a classical scene unfolds across the dish's surface, dominated by a dynamic chariot race. The bold red and black figures create a sense of depth, while the lattice edge frames the central narrative, offering a structured border to the otherwise fluid scene. The anonymous artist employs a limited palette to great effect, using color not just descriptively but also symbolically, engaging with the classical tradition. The eye is drawn to the movement of the horses and the determined figures in the chariot, conveying a sense of action and energy. What's fascinating here is the interplay between form and function. This is not merely a decorative object; it's a commentary on power, speed, and perhaps even the futility of earthly pursuits. The formal elements serve to underscore these themes, inviting us to consider the broader cultural context in which such an object would have been created and used.