Vase 1877 - 1885

This earthenware vase was made by the T. J. Wheatley & Company in the late 19th century. The muted colors and naturalistic decoration of flowers and landscape evoke the aesthetic interests of the period. What’s interesting here is how the image creates meaning through its cultural references and historical associations. The vase was made during the American art pottery movement. This movement saw the emergence of women artists, and the aesthetic associated with the Arts and Crafts movement. The art pottery movement was progressive in its outlook and served as a form of social critique. To better understand works like this, we consult period publications and exhibition catalogues to understand the context in which the work was made and viewed.