Vase 1870 - 1885

This porcelain vase was created by Haviland & Co., a firm founded in 1842 in Limoges, France, famous for its porcelain production. The imagery of birds and blossoms is characteristic of the Japonisme style that swept through Europe and America in the late 19th century. The vase’s square form with handles also reflects East Asian design. Limoges porcelain became highly sought after, boosted by firms such as Haviland who exported widely and embraced new styles. But as global demand grew, the working conditions of the Limoges factories became a matter of social concern. To understand this vase, we would look at the company’s archives, design catalogs, and the writings of contemporary social critics. These reveal the complex interweaving of commerce, taste, and labor that shaped artistic production in 19th century France. Ultimately, this vase represents the complex social and economic forces at play in the art world.