Plate
PeriodCirca 1720 - 1750
MediumTin-glazed earthenware
Dimensions13.75 in. (34.9 cm)
InscribedIn red marker on back, "Gift of / Mrs. B.B. Rapalyea & / Mrs. F. Bourne Ruthrauff / 1972"
ClassificationsEarthenware
Credit LineGift of Mrs. B.B. Rapalyea and Mrs. F. Bourne Ruthrauff, 1972
Object number1972.7.1
DescriptionA large plate or platter of bright white ceramic, with a deep cavetto (border) and a heavy base lip. The plate is ornameted with bold blue motifs, including a central scene of a bird surrounded by full-blown flowers and leaves all restng atop a solid blue "ground". The cavetto/border is ornamented with bold blue clusters of double- and triple-lobed motifs with added curls and leaves. Thin double line bands encircle both inner and outer portions of the cavetto.Curatorial RemarksThis distinctive blue-and-white ceramic ware is most often known as "Delft," referring to the area in the Netherlands where it first developed in the 1600s. At that time, porcelains coming out of China were considered highly valuable and highly prized. European potters attempted to replicate this thin, fine ceramic but without sources of kaolin - the particular clay that produces porcelain - early attempts were unsuccessful. However, resourceful ceramic firms used available heavy clays and added the blue-and-white motifs to evoke the Chinese porcelains for the wider markets. These original wares came from Delft potters in Holland. English ceramic makers quickly copied these pieces. The tin glaze resulted in a sturdy, hard-wearing, bright coating atop the blue and white surfaces, often giving a faint blueish appearance to the white portions of the pieces.NotesAlthough the original owners of this bold and beautiful plate are unknown, Monmouth residents of the 18th century had relatively easy access to consumer goods of all types, including ceramics. Brisk trade with English ceramic companies provided a variety of plates, platters, bowls, cups, mugs, vases, and other forms for local merchants to sell to Monmouth's farmers, businessmen, and artisans. Local archaeological digs even on the Association's own properties including the Allen House in Shrewsbury, Covenhoven House in Freehold, and Marlpit Hall in Middletown have found numerous examples of blue and white ceramics from both England and Holland.
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