Urn (cachepot) 1875 - 1885

This Belleek urn, or cachepot, embodies the artistry of Irish porcelain. Belleek is renowned for its delicate parian ware, a type of porcelain that mimics the appearance of white marble. The urn's surface is decorated with meticulously applied sprigs of leaves and blossoms, each piece carefully molded and attached by hand. The process involves skilled craftsmanship, where liquid clay is poured into plaster molds. After partially drying, the pieces are removed, and the details are refined before firing in a kiln. The undulating rim and swirling patterns add to the urn's organic feel. Belleek porcelain emerged from a time of industrial advancement, combining factory production with handcrafting skills. These porcelain objects were often displayed as status symbols in middle-class homes, signifying their owners' taste and refinement. This beautiful urn reflects how the fusion of industry, craft, and consumer culture blurred the boundaries between art and design in the 19th century.