Plate

Art Historical Context

This charming earthenware plate, crafted by the American pottery firm Ott and Brewer around 1880–93, exemplifies the vibrant decorative arts of late 19th-century America Measuring 10 1/8 inches in diameter, it hails from the bustling pottery centers like Trenton, New Jersey, firms like Ott and Brewer produced affordable yet stylish tableware for middle-class homes. The floral motifs, hinted at in its tagging, reflect the era's obsession with nature-inspired designs, drawing from the Aesthetic Movement's emphasis on beauty in everyday objects. Earthenware, a low-fired clay body often left unglazed or simply decorated, was prized for its earthy warmth and versatility, allowing mass production while retaining handcrafted appeal. Ott and Brewer's pieces, now housed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlight how American potters adapted European techniques to create distinctly national styles—practical yet ornamental. Acquired through the generous Purchase from the Barrie A. and Deedee Wigmore Foundation Gift in 1997, this plate invites visitors to appreciate the artistry in utilitarian items, bridging art and daily life during America's Gilded Age industrial boom.