[Porcelain Map of the Heart]

An interesting mid-century cartifact that uses a map to explore the breadth of the human spirit.

Though created in the shape of a heart, the scope of toponyms on this porcelain dish ‘map’ might better describe the geography of the soul. Various states of human emotion are examined through understandable parallels like continental outlines, large bodies of water, and more. Center is the Isle of Man, surrounded by the Ocean of Love.

The dish was hand-painted in Japan and imported by the Aardalt Company of New York, likely in the 1950s. According to Catherine Yronwode of Mystic Tea Room;

“Ardalt / Lenwile was an American company that imported into America a variety of china-ware made in Japan. Most of these items fall into the “gift” category of goods, including statuettes, figurines, tableware, dishes, bowls, cups, jars, and vases. Many of the pieces are hand-painted in the well-known pseudo-European “export” style popular in 20th century Japan.”

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