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Where did our love of decorative plates come from?
While European potters have been plying their trade since the Neolithic era, before the 18th century, most earthenware was relegated to the kitchen or storage: cooking pots, large tinaja storage jars, wine jugs, etc.
By the 1st century of our era, the Romans optimized the pottery trade throughout their European territories. Using molds, they produced both utilitarian pottery and some highly decorative plates and bowls, elevating tableware beyond its practical function. High quality Roman earthenware was often an imitation of fine silver tableware produced at the time.
The fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century led to a sharp decline in decorative ceramics in Europe. High quality tableware distinguished the upper echelons of society but the middle and lower classes made due with more spartan pieces made of clay, pewter or wood.
In the 16th century, richly decorated porcelain plates from China inspired a rebirth in European ceramics. Ming porcelain entered European homes as the Portuguese, who had established a colony on the Zhujiang River, began importing goods from China.
This characteristic Chinese blue-and-white porcelain featuring all-over decoration enthralled Europeans. Industrious local artisans began producing blue-and-white earthenware with similar motifs. By the 18th century, Portuguese, Dutch and Spanish potters had developed their own autochthonous blue and white ceramic styles.
Elevated to a new status, pottery became decorative again.
Plates and bowls from this period prove that our penchant for ceramic decoration is not new. Perhaps the most emblematic wall plates were those 16th century pieces emblazoned with a family shield. This kind of earthenware was made exclusively for aesthetic reasons, and not as tableware. We know this to be true because they came with a little incision in the clay to facilitate hanging.
Since decorative wall plates have been going strong since the 16th century, we might even call them traditional.
And, in a respectful nod to tradition, modern interior design has embraced this legacy with renewed vigor. Simple, sparsely decorated plates and bowls continue to make their way to the table while more ornate bowls and plates outgrow their functional roles.
Looking to create your own unique display of decorative plates? See our Fajalauza Collections in Blue, Green or Yellow.
