Butter Dish and Stand c. 1775

Editor: So, this is the "Butter Dish and Stand" from around 1775, crafted at the Aprey Pottery Factory. It’s ceramic. I’m really struck by the whimsical feel and the delicate artistry. What catches your eye in this piece? Curator: The composition is masterful. The circular form is echoed and amplified, moving from the dish itself to the stand and then up to the lid. The hand-painted decorations, though seemingly simple, contribute to a dynamic surface texture. Note the contrast between the pure white ground and the lively polychrome details, mostly applied asymmetrically, offering a balance to the regularity of the object’s form. What purpose do you ascribe to that balance? Editor: I guess to create movement and a sense of naturalism, moving away from rigid, classical styles? I do love how the colours pop. It feels like a very deliberate arrangement of shapes and colours. Curator: Precisely. The vibrant, asymmetrical placement underscores the aesthetic, emphasizing curvilinear forms. The piece isn't merely functional; it's an essay in line, colour, and form, celebrating the artistry of its making. The function, to contain butter, is secondary to the visual statement. It invites us to appreciate how the maker explored line and space within this format. Editor: That makes perfect sense. I never would have considered how the functionality kind of fades into the background. Now I am looking at all the asymmetrical relationships on the surface! Curator: By understanding the intrinsic qualities we appreciate more fully this object, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. I see so much more beyond just a pretty butter dish. Thank you.