Vase 1879 - 1892

Curator: Here we have a set of vases from Chelsea Keramic Art Works, crafted from earthenware between 1879 and 1892. The work falls squarely within decorative art, exhibiting careful attention to form and subtle coloring. Editor: Ah, yes! The first thing that jumps out at me is the sheer… serenity of this group. They look like a family, each with its own personality. And the color palette—it's like nature's gentle whisper. What’s with that long-necked one? It has some kind of funky shape. Curator: Interesting that you mention "family," because these pieces are very much a product of their time, rooted in late 19th-century America, in a time when burgeoning industries coincided with increased interest in domestic crafts. Chelsea Keramic specifically provided opportunities for women, offering them artistic and financial autonomy at a time when few such opportunities existed. I see these pieces as symbolic of the evolving role of women in society at this point in history. Editor: I see what you are trying to tell me. So they all gathered together. Still, what were they even used for? You could just put one tiny daisy into it because there doesn't appear to be much space at the top. What flowers even need that kind of pot? Asparagus maybe? And what is "Keramic," really? It’s killing me. Curator: Well, these pieces come from an interesting socio-economic moment, where we can recognize a certain arts-and-crafts emphasis, along with Japonisme. If we analyze these works from that viewpoint, then we can assume that the ceramic process allows them to make art out of practical, utilitarian ware, which is the true beauty behind them. But Chelsea "Keramic" just simply shows you they use ceramics as one of their materials in artwork. Editor: That’s true…It all fits now! The colors, the delicate shapes, all speaking to this craving for tranquility amid the clang of industry. You are opening up my view towards the pieces now, the artist's background now truly stands out with her art being this way. Curator: Absolutely. Approaching works such as this with an eye toward the social and cultural contexts brings to light many narratives about gender and production. It gives each individual vase added complexity as they sit huddled on that plinth. Editor: Right. It has been pretty fascinating indeed to just get immersed and analyze the hidden message in each piece. Each of those subtle touches holds a powerful sentiment for me now.