Bord van zwart hyalithglas met chinoiserie c. 1830

This is a black hyalith glass plate with chinoiserie decoration by Franz August van Longueval. The glossy black surface hosts intricate golden designs. Observe the composition: A central motif of stylized oriental dragon and flower contrasts sharply with the dense border. The periphery is filled with geometric patterns, flora and fauna. There is a visual tension, a play between the open central space and the crowded edge. The dragon seems to float in the deep black field. The surface treatment and the stark contrast between gold and black destabilize conventional notions of value, mixing luxury with industrial production. The plate reflects a broader cultural fascination with the exotic. It is an example of how semiotic systems borrow and transform cultural signs. The chinoiserie motifs, when placed on a European object, create a dialogue between different visual languages. This destabilization of established signs prompts us to reconsider how cultural values are constructed. Ultimately, the plate’s enduring appeal resides in its unique material qualities, the smooth, reflective black glass and bright golden images, inviting ongoing interpretation.