Vase (one of a pair) (ca. 1762, Met-Objekt 6163)
Original title: Vase (one of a pair)
kurzbeschreibung
This vase was made around 1762 at the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory in soft-paste porcelain. Polychrome enamels and gold decorate its surface, which carries figural scenes set in a landscape. It belongs to a pair and stands about 59.7 cm high.
Description
Two twisted handles sit at either side of the oval body, and the lid is topped with a gilded ornament. Against a dark blue ground, gold, red, green and blue open out. Small figures people a landscape or garden view. The colours feel lively, the details are precisely worked, and each area of colour is clearly separated from the next.
Context
Chelsea was among England's earliest porcelain manufactories and from the mid-eighteenth century produced high-quality soft-paste porcelain. Around 1762, in a phase of especially luxurious production, the factory made elaborate pieces that often took up European models. Vases like this one served as decoration in wealthy households.
Impact
The dark blue ground makes the bright enamel colours stand out and gives the vase a stately note. The curved handles and the symmetrical layout produce an elegant, formal appearance, while the fine details hold the attention.
Technique
The material is soft-paste porcelain of the kind used at Chelsea, with a fine white glaze. Painting in polychrome enamels and gold followed over several firings. This allowed the motifs to be carried out precisely and with strong colour.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)