Vase 1883 - 1892

This vase was made in the late nineteenth century by the Chelsea Keramic Art Works, a period marked by significant industrial and social changes. At the time, ceramics was an emerging industry, with the growth of factories offering employment opportunities, yet also raising concerns about labor conditions and the role of women in the workplace. The cracks on the vase's surface, intentionally created during firing, bring a consciousness of vulnerability. The cobalt blue brushwork of stylized waves and a single fish evokes the natural world. This vase also operates within a tradition of maritime imagery, common in a time of expanding global trade and exploration. But, the solitary fish, caught in a web of cracks, invites a meditation on themes of freedom, constraint, and the complex relationship between humanity and nature. It serves as a potent reminder of our interconnectedness and shared fragility.