Place card holder (one of a pair) 1868 - 1878

This elegant place card holder was crafted by Minton, its creation date not explicitly recorded. Its delicate porcelain form, barely over five inches tall, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of material and color. The structure is tripartite: a rectangular base supports a bulbous body that tapers into a slender neck. The soft pink glaze, smooth to the touch, is strategically contrasted with bands of deep cobalt blue and shimmering gold, creating a visually arresting composition. Note the repeating floral motifs, rendered with precision, which encircle the base and neck. This decorative choice introduces a layer of intricate detail that plays against the simplicity of the overall shape. The piece engages with a semiotic interplay of luxury and refinement, characteristics of the culture in which it was produced. The considered arrangement of form and color elevates it beyond mere utility; it becomes a statement of taste. Ultimately, this place card holder functions as a signifier of social status, subtly communicating values and reinforcing cultural norms through its materiality and design.