Dinner Ritual ,Family Political statement ,Current Hong Kong humanity situation and My plate design
When people talk about dinner rituals , there are many different ways. For example, converse while you are eating , put your cutlery in a certain way , or even dine while sitting on the floor. Different cultures have different rituals. However, the most important item for every dining ritual would be ceramic on the table.
In 18th century America , there was a porcelain tableware in their upper class society called Bonni and Morris Pickle Stand. This beautiful Porcelain sea shell pickle stand was produced by Philadelphia potters Gousse Bonnin and George Anthony Morris in the early 1770s.
During the 18th century , North America was still being colonized by a couple of European countries, one of them being Great Britain. During this time, the people in America were only able to use bone china ceramic supplied by the British.
At the time of the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), ceramics in America were used as a form of record of political change or social justice situations. Because porcelain was imported from Great Britain due to colonisation during this period, using local porcelain and tableware being made by local ceramic factories were action to show support towards American independence.
Messages were hand painted onto the Bonni and Morris Pickle Stand, voicing their political statement and advocating their cause towards American independence. Freedom of choice was also one of the messages this Ceramic item represented.
This pickle stand was made by plaster cast shell mould and some throwing technique. I attempted to make this mould myself. I am so impressed by how plaster mould changes the ceramic process. Instead of hand building every single shell, a plaster mould can reproduce so many of the same nice quality shell efficiently ,Plaser is such a game changer during the 18 century ceramic making process.
Also, While I looking at the item , I imagine I am a guest of a grand dinner in one of the house at 18 century America, I have no facebook or any search engine to research this house hold political point of view, , and I enjoyed the meal , while the desert serve with a political statement on, I will instantly know what to talk about or what not to talk about .I feel like is such a smart thing to do as a dinner host as well , to avoid stonge augment between guests in a very subtle way .
By doing this action might be safe in 18 century America, but In current time, it might be an issue if your own country has a different approach with democracy .