Square jardinière and stand with river landschapes c. 1775 - 1799

This square jardinière and stand with river landscapes, was made with tin-glazed earthenware, and features hand-painted decorations. The material itself, earthenware, has a long and global history. Achieving its characteristic blue and white required careful sourcing of cobalt for the pigment, precise application, and high-temperature firing. Notice how the square form of the jardinière and stand have straight sides. This uniformity requires skillful use of molds and hand-finishing to eliminate imperfections. The river landscape decoration, executed with brushstrokes, evokes a sense of serenity and harmony with nature. These hand-painted scenes were often produced in workshops, where skilled artisans worked to meet the growing demand for decorative objects. The labor-intensive processes demonstrate the value placed on craftsmanship and artistic expression. By appreciating the materials, techniques, and cultural context, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this jardinière and stand, transcending the traditional boundaries between art and craft.