Plate

Art Historical Context

This elegant porcelain plate, crafted in China for the American market between 5 and 1790, exemplifies the height of 18th-century export porcelain artistry. Measuring 9 inches in diameter, it features motifs of birds and a coat of arms, likely customized with a family crest to appeal to affluent American buyers. Chinese potters at this time mastered the intricate techniques of porcelain production—firing kaolin clay at high temperatures to achieve its signature translucency and strength—often decorating pieces with underglaze cobalt blue or overglaze enamels for vibrant, enduring color. Produ...