Vase base 1835 - 1865

This vase base was made by James Dixon & Sons, a firm renowned for their metalwork, particularly in Sheffield, a city synonymous with steel and silver production. Crafted from silver or silver plate, the piece reveals a high level of skill in its execution. Notice the intricate detailing, the repetitive patterns, the symmetry. It's likely that this vase was produced using a combination of hand-craftsmanship and industrial techniques, like stamping and die-forming, allowing for efficient production of complex forms. Pieces like this reflect the Victorian era's fascination with ornamentation and its burgeoning middle class. These objects were part of a broader system of production and consumption, embodying the complex relationship between labor, material, and market demand. When we look at pieces like this, it's important to consider the full picture. The design, the making, and the social context, all contribute to the object's story, blurring traditional distinctions between design, craft, and art.