Vase c. 1720

This blue-and-white porcelain vase with floral designs comes to us from an anonymous maker. Objects like this vase offer insights into the intricate dynamics of cultural exchange and artistic expression. Consider the globalized world in which this piece was created. Porcelain, often referred to as "white gold," was a prized commodity, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. Its production and trade were heavily influenced by imperial policies, economic conditions, and the demands of both domestic and international markets. Pieces like this one often existed within a complex social hierarchy and a global economy. It reflects the relationship between East and West, where demand drove production and innovation. It prompts us to consider the hands, lives, and stories that shaped its creation. What does it mean to hold an object that carries with it the echoes of centuries past?