Decoration of this white salt-glazed stoneware tray was achieved through pressing the clay...
Decoration of this white salt-glazed stoneware tray was achieved through pressing the clay into molds. Through this process, potters were able to emulate more costly silver patterns. In this example, the decoration is a series of diamond-star reserves framed in playful roccoco scrollwork alternating with simple basketweave panels. The tactile pattern provides a graceful complement to the scalloped shape of the tray, with contrasting sections corresponding to the alternating concave and convex curves of the edge.