Perfume vase (one of a pair) 1756 - 1766

This perfume vase was created by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory in 18th century England. Notice the central scene, framed in gold, with its reclining, nude female figures and the flowing water. The motif of nymphs at the fountain has a long history, harking back to classical antiquity. Representations of nymphs, spirits of nature, were often associated with healing and purification, appearing in Roman frescoes and sculptures. This celebration of the female form and the life-giving element of water resurfaces in Renaissance paintings, often linked to themes of fertility and renewal. Here, the tradition continues, yet evolves in the hands of the Chelsea artisans. The scene reflects a Rococo sensibility, emphasizing pleasure and beauty. The vase itself, a vessel for perfume, connects sensuality with visual delight, engaging our senses on multiple levels. This interplay of classical motifs with contemporary tastes reveals how cultural memory subtly shapes artistic expression.