Bowl 1874 - 1888

This bowl was made by the Chelsea Keramic Art Works, sometime between 1872 and 1889, using molded and glazed earthenware. The sinuous botanical forms pressed into the clay give it a lively surface, enhanced by that beautiful, subtly varied blue glaze. The bowl is interesting because it walks a fine line between industry and artistry. On one hand, the Chelsea Keramic Art Works was a commercial enterprise, producing ceramics for a growing consumer market. The use of molds speaks to this context; it's an efficient way to repeat a design. Yet, the level of detail and the attention given to the glaze suggest a higher ambition. The makers were clearly interested in aesthetics, and in aligning themselves with the broader art world. You can see this tension playing out in many ceramics of the period. It’s a reminder that the categories of art and craft are not always so clear. Ultimately, it's the close attention to both material and making that gives this bowl its enduring appeal.