Plate
18th–mid-19th century
Classification
ceramics
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Jane M. Epstine
Accession Number
2006-20-39
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant ceramic plate, from the 18th mid-19th century hails from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, thanks to the generous bequest of Jane M Epstine. Craft by an unknown artist, exemplifies the utilitarian yet artistic ceramics produced during America's formative years, when pottery was a cornerstone of household goods and regional craftsmanship. Spanning the Colonial era through the early Industrial period, such plates reflect the evolution of American ceramic traditions. Potters relied on local clays and kilns to create durable dinnerware, often employing techniques like wheel-throwing and simple glazing for both functionality and subtle decoration. Though details of its medium and design remain under research, this piece likely served everyday meals while embodying the self-reliance of pre-industrial communities. Now part of ongoing scholarly investigation, the plate invites us to ponder the anonymous hands behind early American artistry. Its presence in the Smithsonian underscores how ordinary objects preserve cultural narratives, bridging the gap between history and the dinner table.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...