Plate

Art Historical Context

This elegant earthenware plate, crafted in Britain between 1750 and 1775, exemplifies the refined tableware that graced 18th-century households. Measuring 8¼ inches in diameter, it reflects the era's growing demand for durable, affordable ceramics amid Britain's booming pottery industry. Earthenware, fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, was prized for its versatility and earthy warmth, often used for everyday dining and display. Though the artist remains unknown, such pieces highlight the skilled anonymous craftsmanship of British potters during the Georgian period. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this plate underscores transatlantic cultural exchange. British ceramics like this one were widely exported to the American colonies, symbolizing colonial refinement and the comforts of home amid revolutionary tensions. Its simple form speaks to the practical artistry of the time, blending functionality with subtle aesthetic appeal. A generous gift from Col. G. Creighton Webb in 1936, this plate invites visitors to ponder the intimate stories of daily life preserved in clay—reminders of how ordinary objects wove the fabric of history.