Plate from a Royal Berlin China Service c. 20th century

This plate, part of a Royal Berlin China Service, is a fascinating artifact with its terracotta and black figures. I can only imagine the original artist in their workshop, carefully sketching out the scenes, maybe referencing ancient Greek pottery but giving it their own twist. Look at the figure in the center wrestling those winged lions, the whole scene rendered in that warm terracotta. The lines are so sharp, and they really pop against the pale background. Then there are all the symbols and decorative elements around the rim, each one meticulously placed. It reminds me a bit of folk art, that directness of expression combined with a strong sense of pattern. You see echoes of ancient myths mixed with personal expression and those little decorative details. Artists are always riffing off of each other across time and cultures, aren’t they? Taking something old and making it new.