Bottle 1695 - 1705

Editor: Here we have "Bottle," a ceramic sculpture made around 1695-1705 by William Cleffius. I’m really drawn to the craftsmanship and how the painted decoration creates such a detailed, almost textile-like pattern. What stands out to you when you look at this piece? Curator: For me, it’s the object’s journey through production and consumption. It makes you consider the labour involved in both shaping the ceramic and the incredibly detailed painting. It transcends mere function. The bottle wasn't just meant to contain, but also to be *seen.* Think about the potter, the painter, the merchant who sold it – a whole network of hands touched this. What kind of societal value do you think decorative art had back then? Editor: I suppose it represents a certain level of wealth and status to own something so ornate. Almost like a display of refined taste through material objects. Curator: Exactly. It makes you think about what materials were available and what it meant to own art objects with certain motifs, like these birds and flowers, given the trading networks of the time. Its decorative quality invites you to question how clear divisions of fine art and craft might obscure our understanding. This pushes the boundaries, don't you think? Editor: That makes a lot of sense. So, beyond just admiring the pretty picture, we can consider it a product of its time. Something shaped by trade, labor, and even social aspirations. Curator: Precisely! It offers a rich narrative beyond its surface beauty and lets you dive deep into material culture of that era. Editor: I hadn't thought about all that labour initially. That completely changes how I appreciate this work; seeing beyond just its appearance.