This work makes a feature of the decorative band that encircles this mid-twentieth century silver plate. Aside from an aesthetic role, the rim of any plate is there principally to ensure that the contents thereon are guarded.

By putting the focus onto this motif, its function changes from edge, or border, to driver of form. Simultaneously, attention is drawn to the artistry and artisanship that gave rise to these iterations of a familiar pattern.

With Indonesia the plate’s likely origin, one can contemplate transmission of pattern motif, like pomegranate and acanthus leaf, to lands so far from the subjects’ origins.

Made for the Contemporary Craft (Pittsburgh) Elizabeth R Raphael Founder's Prize