Onderschotel van Engels hardgebakken aardewerk, Boch c. 1775 - 1810

Curator: Immediately, I notice a fascinating tension between rigidity and flow—that hard, creamy center contrasts strikingly with the lacy, almost ethereal, border. Editor: Precisely! That’s what makes this “Onderschotel van Engels hardgebakken aardewerk, Boch,” an intriguing object of the late 18th century, around 1775 to 1810. Boch, the manufacturer, clearly drew from both English and continental traditions in crafting it from ceramic. Curator: It’s hard to ignore the obvious nod to Rococo design with the use of elaborate and ornamental patterns. One may even ask to whom did this belong? A member of royalty? Nobility? Editor: Absolutely, it's all about the status and wealth of that time period. Think about the role of tableware during that era. The rise of ceramic ware production parallels the burgeoning middle class, so access wasn't only limited to royalty or the nobility. Consider its original use: not merely functional, but as a medium for displaying social standing. This plate could function as both a social and political signifier in gatherings, particularly with the emphasis on Rococo to further highlight privilege and authority. Curator: The play of negative space in the latticework edge gives it a sense of lightness. The plate’s simple ornamentation of what appear to be just two colors further alludes to the growing population during this period. Editor: Good observation! We could further explore the relationship between the motifs used on such wares, their cultural origins, and how they participated in shaping colonial aesthetics in home interiors of the time. Curator: It’s intriguing how much these details encourage reflection. I keep thinking about labor practices during this time and wonder who created the pieces that influenced the work and what types of power dynamics that implied in terms of wealth or access to materials. Editor: That is quite thought provoking! I, on the other hand, find the delicate balance in its aesthetic elements and craftsmanship utterly captivating. It speaks volumes about a time obsessed with elegance.