Bord 1750 - 1780

This plate was made by De Porceleyne Byl, using glazed earthenware, or Delftware. The characteristic blue and white decoration is achieved using a cobalt oxide pigment, painted onto the white-glazed surface before firing. This landscape scene, a pastoral scene of laborers with animals, is typical of Delftware, which often depicted everyday life and idealized landscapes. The plate was likely slip-cast, indicating the artist or maker worked within a standardized system of production. Delftware production was labor-intensive, involving skilled artisans who specialized in each stage of the process, including mold-making, casting, painting, and firing. The level of detail in the decoration suggests the involvement of a highly skilled painter. Yet, it's important to remember that these objects were produced in a workshop setting, suggesting the presence of hierarchical labor practices typical of early industrial production. Looking at pieces like this plate allows us to appreciate the artistry and labor involved in their creation and also to consider the broader social and economic contexts in which they were produced and consumed.