Vase 1874 - 1888

This vase was made by Chelsea Keramic Art Works between 1872 and 1889, from earthenware, with a lead glaze. The vase presents a striking combination of geometric form and organic decoration. Note how its angular, octagonal body contrasts with the fluid, curvilinear forms of the applied iris motif. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension, a kind of dialogue between the manufactured and the natural. The earthy tones of the glaze, predominantly browns and creams, enhance the vase’s tactile quality, inviting a closer inspection of its surface. The iris, rendered in relief, emerges from the vase's surface, its petals and leaves casting shadows that animate the composition. As a sign, the iris carries multiple cultural associations, including royalty, faith, and hope. The strategic placement of the iris, dominating one face of the vase, suggests a deliberate attempt to infuse the object with symbolic meaning. Consider the interplay between form and function. The vase, ostensibly a utilitarian object, transcends its purpose through artistic intervention. The angularity of its form, softened by the organic motif, speaks to a broader artistic concern with reconciling industrial production with aesthetic expression.