Charger, c. 1900-1905, Max Laeuger, German, 1864-1952, 1 x 15 1/4 in. (2.54 x 38.74 cm), Glazed earthenware with slip decoration, Germany, 19th-20th century, This charger, richly decorated with slip (liquid clay) and depicting a fiery-leaved tree, was intended to be hung on a wall to beautify a home rather than be used at the dinner table. The asymmetry, bold autumnal color palette, and thick 'brushstrokes' exemplify Laeugers unique approach to depicting nature—he used the ceramic surface as his painters canvas. His swaying tree is echoed in the curving arcs along the plates outer edge.