Vase 1879

This vase was made by the Union Porcelain Works, a company active in Brooklyn in the late 19th century. It’s an example of what was called "American Belleek," a type of fine porcelain, meticulously cast and painted. The vase is formed as a highly detailed pitcher plant, complete with veining and a lurking turtle. It’s hard to imagine such naturalistic forms emerging from factory production, but that’s exactly the point. The Union Porcelain Works aimed to demonstrate their technical virtuosity, competing with European manufacturers. Consider the immense labor involved in designing the mold, casting the porcelain, and hand-painting each vase. This wasn't just an aesthetic exercise; it was about proving America's industrial and artistic prowess. The firm even made a porcelain rendering of the Liberty Bell for the Centennial Exposition of 1876. By focusing on material, making, and social context, we can see how the Union Porcelain Works challenged traditional boundaries, elevating craft to the level of fine art.