Perfume vase 1756 - 1766

This is a porcelain perfume vase made in the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory, active between 1744 and 1784. Luxury goods like this vase were produced during the height of the Rococo period in Europe. The Rococo was a highly decorative style, closely associated with the aristocracy. Aristocrats often commissioned artists to make portraits of themselves, and decorated their homes with ornate furniture, paintings, and sculptures. Vases like these would have been status symbols, displayed in the homes of the wealthy to show off their taste and refinement. Here, the painted scene and decorative elements create a sense of luxury and sophistication. The Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory was known for producing high-quality porcelain, and their wares were highly sought after by collectors. By examining surviving business records, we can understand how the market for these products helped shape the character of Rococo art.