Vase 1880s

This vase was made by Crown Derby, a company established in the mid-18th century in England, whose traditional techniques resulted in luxury wares like this. The vase's elegant form is achieved through a combination of ceramic artistry and decorative craft. Starting with the clay body, formed in a mold and fired to a smooth, white surface, the intricate gilded and enameled designs are then meticulously applied by hand. Notice how the gilded surface shimmers, a testament to the skill of the gilder who would have applied gossamer-thin sheets of gold leaf to the porcelain. The floral motifs and scrolling patterns were created by trained painters, layering colors to create depth and richness. The vase is more than just a vessel, it represents the skilled labor and artistic vision of the many hands involved in its creation. By appreciating the layers of craftsmanship, we can move beyond traditional art categories and recognize the value of these decorative arts.