“Rhino in a China dish”.
This was the first oblong dish with Rococo rim that I made. It has underglaze prints including Albrecht Durer’s rhino and three of my sketches for pots. The idea is a play on the popular “Bull in a china shop” saying, except that here I am referencing the near extinction of the Rhino. Albrecht Durer’s famous etching of a rhinoceros was apparently done having never actually seen a rhino, I have used it because in many ways it symbolises the first rhino (our first modern contact with rhinos). The rhino is now facing extinction mainly due to China’s insatiable appetite for rhino horn, and hence my title “Rhino in a China dish” actually references the end of the rhino. Therefore this dish might also be called “The First and Last Rhino”.
The rococo rim was extremely technically challenging to achieve. The slightest difference in moisture level of the body and rim would lead to cracks. The rim alone took many attempts and several hours to make and apply to the body. The dish sits on four hemispherical hollow feet.
Date made:
22/2/2022
Material:
Earthenware with lead glaze and raw oxides.
Height:
Width:
248 mm x 210 mm
Net weight:
958 grams
Condition:
New.
