Bottle Cooler 1700 - 1720

This is a tin-glazed earthenware bottle cooler, made by the Clérissy Factory sometime in the late 17th to early 18th century. The eye is immediately drawn to its cylindrical form, softened by the rounded handles and delicate blue ornamentation against a bright white ground. The decoration is structured in horizontal bands, divided into sections populated with cherubic figures, masks and whimsical flourishes. These are interspersed with avian forms, suspended drapery and lattice work, all executed in a restrained palette. The careful application of pigment, with its fine lines and decorative motifs, invites the viewer into a world of playful imagery. The form and decoration together destabilize conventional interpretations of utility and artistry. The cooler becomes more than a functional object; it represents a space for aesthetic contemplation.