Vaas met patroon van bloemen en schubwerk c. 1910

This vase with a pattern of flowers and scale work was made by N.V. Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland. This earthenware factory epitomizes the commercial spirit of the Netherlands at the turn of the 20th century. It produced decorative objects for a wide market, capitalizing on the popularity of Art Nouveau. The soft colors and flowing lines of the flowers are typical of this style. The vase reflects a broader trend of incorporating natural motifs into decorative arts, blurring the boundaries between fine art and everyday design. The factory was located in Gouda, a town known for its pottery production since the 17th century. Zuid-Holland's success was due to its ability to adapt traditional techniques to modern tastes, embracing mechanization and mass production to meet growing demand. This vase is a fascinating example of how art and industry intersected in the early 20th century, shaping the visual landscape of the time. To fully understand the significance of this vase, one can consult archives of Dutch design history and studies of the Art Nouveau movement. Art is shaped by its social and institutional context.