Deep plate c. 18th century

This deep plate, crafted anonymously, presents a seemingly simple, circular form. The circle, an ancient symbol, speaks volumes across cultures. It is a motif that goes beyond function, diving deep into the symbolic. Think of the Ouroboros, the snake eating its tail, an ancient Egyptian symbol recurring in alchemy and Gnosticism, representing cyclicality and eternal return. Similarly, mandalas in Eastern religions use circular forms to symbolize the universe and aid in meditation. The plate’s circular form echoes these concepts. It alludes to the communal act of sharing food, a ritual deeply embedded in human societies. This gesture fosters bonding, the circle is a psychological anchor. The humble plate, therefore, becomes a vessel of collective memory, its form resonating with our shared history and subconscious understanding of unity and continuity. It is a testament to how even the most ordinary objects can carry profound symbolic weight.