Plate or platter with drainer

About this artwork

This charming glazed earthenware plate or platter with drainer, in 1808 in Germany's Lower Rhine region, exemplifies the region's vibrant pottery traditions. Measuring 13¾ inches (34.9 cm) in, it served both practical and decorative purposes in everyday households, blending utility with artistic flair. The unknown artisan's work reflects the folk pottery style common to the area, where simple earthenware was fired and glazed for durability and shine, making it ideal for serving food while showcasing local motifs. Adorned with motifs of animals and flowers—evident from its decorative tags—this piece captures the natural world that inspired Lower Rhine potters during the early 19th century. These vibrant patterns, often hand-painted or molded, added a touch of whimsy and abundance to domestic life, symbolizing prosperity and the rhythms of rural existence amid the Napoleonic era's upheavals. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Department, thanks to a 1910 gift from John Stemme, this platter invites us to appreciate the artistry in overlooked objects. It highlights how anonymous makers elevated ceramics from mere vessels to cultural treasures, preserving a slice of German heritage for modern eyes.