Plate c. 1775

This porcelain plate, part of a larger dinner service, was likely made in Europe for a wealthy family. Porcelain was an expensive material in the 18th century, and owning a complete dinner service was a sign of status. The ornate decoration, in a restrained neoclassical style, signals a connection to elite culture. The service, although made for dining, was also about display. A well-appointed table was part of the ritual of hospitality, reflecting on the host’s taste and social standing. Looking closely, we might ask, who were the artisans who made this? How were they trained? Research into the archives of European porcelain factories might reveal their identities and the social conditions of their labor. Further, how did shifting trade routes and colonial power shape the availability and affordability of porcelain? Examining this plate as a historical object reveals a rich story of wealth, labor, and global exchange.