# Othello Plaque

- By: J. C. Meyenberg (Rookwood Pottery (American, 1880–1967); Sold by Duhme & Co. (American, 1843-1893); Cincinatti, Ohio)
- Date: 1884
- Medium: Earthenware and glaze
- Classification: Ceramics
- Dimensions: Diam.: 40.6 cm (15 1/4 in.)
- Culture: Cincinnati
- Credit line: Through prior acquisition of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh J. Smith Jr.
- Museum: [Art Institute of Chicago](https://www.artic.edu/artworks/145205)
- Rights: [Public domain (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- Picture: https://www.artic.edu/iiif/2/d451b4ba-6a67-b846-eed3-7ac6d63de74c/full/!1920,1080/0/default.jpg
- Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

Seen as exotic, Islamic-style decorative motifs enjoyed great popularity in the United States in the 1880s, and William Shakespeare’s play Othello offered a famous example of a Moorish subject. Created by Rookwood Pottery, one of the earliest art pottery makers in the United States, this rare plaque may have been commissioned to commemorate a local production of the play. Alternatively, it might reflect the well-described popularity of Shakespeare in 19th-century America. The designer evoked the main character’s Moorish origins by inscribing his name in pseudo-Arabic script and using concentric bands of stylized foliate and calligraphic motifs reminiscent of Islamic architectural decoration.

Description © Art Institute of Chicago, CC BY 4.0