Aquarian flower pot c. 1873

This earthenware Aquarian Flower Pot was made by Christopher Dresser, a British designer who was very interested in non-Western art. Dresser's flower pot reflects the late 19th-century enthusiasm in Britain for global art and design. Note the stylized fish, plants, and geometric patterns. These motifs are influenced by Japanese art, which became very popular in Europe after Japan opened up to trade with the West in the mid-19th century. The flower pot also shows the influence of the British Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized the value of handmade objects and the importance of good design for everyday life. Art historians might examine design magazines and trade publications from the period to learn more about the cultural context in which Dresser was working. By understanding these social and institutional contexts, we can better appreciate the Aquarian Flower Pot as a product of its time.