Rococo is an 18th-century artistic style, which touched on multiple aspects of art culture including painting, sculpture, architecture, decoration, literature and theatre. In contrast to an alternative classic style, Neoclassical, Rococo can be recognised as a form that goes against symmetrical, strict and rational design and flourishes in extravagant and almost wild interpretations of art and can be immediately identified by such features as asymmetrical twists and curves, brass, and gold, and unnecessary, impractical structure.

In terms of historical development, Rococo’s origin is often thought to be in the decorative arts and interior design when it actually all began in the field of architecture (Kimball 1980). Although typically irrational, many structural aspects can be compared between decorative Rococo art pieces and 18^th Century architectural design (Kimball, 1980).

The silver platter bears most of the above features and these are immediately noticeable in the handle of this dish. Instead of a simple, symmetrical, and practical handle… the designer has used an extremely detailed irrational design that matches the equally extravagant corners of the dish.

If any aspect of this platter suggests that it belongs in an alternative category besides ‘Rococo’ then it would be the fact that it is silver. Typically, Rococo designs are made from bronze, brass, gold and elegant woods (Stokstad, 2005). This however is not to say that the style never ventured away from the previously mentioned materials, only that they were a typically found similarity Kimball (1980).

The owner/seller of this piece on TradeMe states that the platter bears the hallmark of the Folgate Silver Company in England from 1875 to 1900. It also state the platter is "Hand Made" and that it was, "Made In England."

References:

Stokstad, M. (2005). ed. Art History. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.

Kimball, F. (1980). The Creation of the Rococo Decorative Syle. New York: Dover Publications.