Covered potpourri vase 1884 - 1890

This covered potpourri vase was made in the late 19th century by Ott and Brewer, a company that operated during a period of immense social and economic transformation. As industrialization accelerated, objects like this vase became emblems of status and taste. It reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with ornamentation and display and offered a stark contrast to the increasingly mechanized world. The potpourri within would have served to sweeten the air, masking the less pleasant odors of urban life, and would have been an important part of the domestic experience. Consider how gender roles of the time are implicated in such an object. The creation and maintenance of a beautiful home were often considered a woman's domain, making this vase not just a decorative item but a symbol of feminine identity and domestic prowess. The vase’s delicate floral motifs and pastel colors further emphasize its connection to notions of femininity and refinement. It is a tangible artifact of a bygone era.