Small vase with cover 1683

Editor: Here we have a "Small Vase with Cover," dating back to 1683, crafted in England by William Fowle. It is housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The vase positively gleams – a beautiful metallic gold that's eye-catching. I'm curious about what kind of a statement this small piece makes within the larger story of Baroque decorative arts. What catches your eye first, and how would you interpret it? Curator: You know, the allure of gold, right? It speaks of so many things. It’s more than a simple vase; it's a statement. Back in 1683, gilded metal screamed status and worldly connections. It's like Fowle was whispering, "I understand luxury," into the ear of posterity. Does the detailed chasing pull you in close, almost like you're discovering hidden stories carved in miniature? Editor: Definitely! The detail is stunning. It makes you wonder about the stories this vase might have held within it, or perhaps even the secrets it overheard. Was something like this meant for everyday use or simply for display? Curator: Ah, now that's the delicious ambiguity of decorative art! While functional, these gilded pieces were equally about broadcasting wealth and taste. Can you imagine it perched on a lacquered table, catching candlelight, almost as a character in a play? England's decorative arts scene in the late 17th Century loved a flourish. Editor: That puts it in a different perspective. It’s interesting to consider it not just as an object but almost as an actor on a stage. I didn’t appreciate the cultural weight a small vase could carry! Curator: Exactly! These little things echo larger societal narratives. Now when you look, what stories do *you* think it tells?