Two-Handled Jardiniere 1825 - 1875

This two-handled jardiniere was made by Talavera Poblana. The shape is defined by a wide mouth that narrows toward its base, then flares out again to a wide, circular foot, creating a dynamic play with volume and void. The handles echo this form, mirroring the curves and adding a layer of complexity. The exterior is alive with colour. Bands of blue, red, and yellow, interspersed with floral and geometric patterns, segment the jardiniere into distinct registers. Each zone presents a dense field of imagery, a microcosm of motifs that engage in dialogue. Even the inscription is stylized, its calligraphic forms mirroring the organic motifs. Within this complex interplay of form and ornamentation, we see a cultural negotiation. The very structure of the jardiniere—its shape, its handles, its divisions—functions as a framework onto which narratives are layered. As we contemplate it, let’s consider how cultural artefacts continually redefine themselves through form.