Wine kettle and boiler 18th century

Curator: Looking at this form, I’m struck by its surprising geometric rigidity. The patterns are floral and organic, yet the object itself—this “Wine Kettle and Boiler”—presents these rigid angles. I would say the navy background suggests contemplation and the yellow evokes royalty. Editor: It’s an unusual combination, isn’t it? These two earthenware objects joined almost like architectural blocks, connected with a metal handle. The piece dates from the 18th century and forms part of the Asian Art collection. There’s a definite formality to it that contrasts the playful fluidity we often see in the Rococo style from that era, a deliberate visual strategy. Curator: Indeed! The use of what seem to be very specific motifs—the peony for example—speaks to a conscious placement of familiar symbolic vocabulary. The angular zigzag may symbolize lightning. It is all contained within the imposed rigid borders. What is your take on that tension between control and expression? Editor: The socio-cultural elements could perhaps unlock how the Japanese, presumably, negotiated hierarchical dynamics in society during that time, the expression of social strata, in this particular domestic item. The placement of floral designs on objects intended for a select group hints at subtle social signals. I imagine wine being poured from that pot and the shared cultural assumptions it reinforces. Curator: Do you suppose the artisan intended to simply please or perhaps even disrupt those expected hierarchical assumptions? Or maybe both? Editor: That's what's so interesting: even domestic art can reveal such nuances in Japanese social norms. Examining design elements gives us insights into potential undercurrents of hierarchy or challenges to it. And even challenges to the hierarchy have to occur in approved symbolic languages. Curator: Looking closely, I'm also noting a striking contrast between the glossy finish of the dark blue, and the contrasting rougher surface of the lighter embellishments. It enlivens the viewing experience with a gentle element of surprise. Editor: It really is an exceptional and enduring piece, offering endless possibilities to explore how culture and imagery intertwine. Curator: Absolutely. It's the kind of artwork that continues to offer new perspectives, as we, and the cultures we live in, also change over time.