Vase (one of a pair) 1756 - 1766

This vase, one of a pair, was made by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory around the mid-18th century. Notice the dominant color scheme. A regal magenta envelops the porcelain, contrasted by the intricate gold detailing and white handles. This immediately evokes a sense of opulence and aristocratic taste. The composition is structured into distinct zones. The central panel presents a classical scene, framed by gilded borders. Above and below, the magenta surface is further ornamented with stylized floral patterns in gold. These visual elements create a hierarchy, drawing the eye first to the narrative scene and then to the decorative aspects. Structurally, the vase embodies the Rococo period's penchant for asymmetry and elaborate decoration. The swirling handles disrupt the symmetry and contribute to a dynamic interplay of form and surface. The vase is not merely a vessel but a complex interplay of color, form and decoration, reflecting the cultural values and aesthetic sensibilities of its time.