Plate 1790 - 1860

Editor: We're looking at an earthenware plate, made sometime between 1790 and 1860. The artist is unknown. What strikes me is the rustic feel of it; you can see little imperfections, giving it so much charm. What's your take on this piece? Curator: It feels to me like finding a whisper from the past. You know, these aren't just decorative swirls; they’re little echoes of a world deeply connected to the everyday rituals of food and community. The form, that warm terracotta, it feels like a hug for the hands. Do you see the small cracks? They remind us of all it has held; each chip is like a tiny tale waiting to be told. What feelings do they bring up in you? Editor: That's a wonderful way of putting it! Thinking of it that way really emphasizes how the plate's journey becomes as much a part of it as the design itself. It has definitely given me a lot to reflect on when looking at the work! Curator: Exactly. I think, especially now, in our age of mass production, objects like this offer a connection to something real, and handmade, you know? Something touched by human hands and lived with. These humble things were central in everyday life. Food shared. Stories told. That kind of thing makes my spirit sing! Editor: Absolutely! I guess it's easy to overlook these smaller pieces of decorative art but they have an energy, like you say. Thanks for all of your insight. Curator: My pleasure! Keep seeking beauty in the ordinary.