Vase c. 1900

This small Minton vase, made sometime between 1793 and 2001, embodies the aesthetic values of its time with a focus on decorative beauty and craftsmanship. Consider the historical backdrop against which this vase was created. The Minton factory was renowned for its role in the Industrial Revolution, mass-producing ceramics for a burgeoning middle class. Yet, within this context, the vase distinguishes itself through its handcrafted appearance, decorated with stylized flowers in raised slip. The flowing lines and organic motifs reflect the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to resist industrialization through a return to traditional craftsmanship. Think of the identity of the object itself, designed to hold and display flowers, symbols of growth, beauty, and the natural world. It prompts us to consider our relationship to nature and our role in preserving it. What feelings does it evoke in you? Does the vase's design speak to your own connection to the natural world?