Bottle vase with handles 1886 - 1896

This bottle vase with handles was made by Minton(s) of England with white earthenware and cobalt decoration. The vase's form, with its round body, slender neck, and stylized handles, speaks to a period of great enthusiasm for ceramics across Europe. It evokes the fashion for Japonisme in the late 19th century, an aesthetic movement that drew inspiration from Japanese art and design. Notice the intricate floral patterns painted with cobalt blue, which contrasts against the pristine white earthenware, showcasing the skilled hand of the painter. Minton was a major force in industrializing the production of art pottery, and this piece reflects that, combining hand-applied decoration with factory-made elements. It embodies the Victorian era’s complex relationship with industry and the handmade, inviting us to consider how these objects were conceived, produced, and consumed in their time. Ultimately, it challenges us to see how the distinctions between art and craft are not so clear.