Bottle with floral scroll design c. 19th century

This 19th-century, anonymous, porcelain bottle from the Minneapolis Institute of Art is decorated with a delicate floral scroll design in cobalt blue. The bottle features a bulbous body and a tall, slender neck, and is a fine example of blue-and-white porcelain, a ceramic art form that originated in China and was widely popular in the 19th century. The cobalt blue pigment was applied under a transparent glaze, creating a vibrant and lasting design. The floral motif is a common element in decorative arts of the period, symbolizing beauty and nature's enduring power.