“This vase is a stunning example of early European hard-paste porcelain from Meissen, showcasing the vibrant enameling and intricate gilding that revolutionized luxury ceramics in the 18th century.”
This elegant vase, crafted around 1710, immediately draws the eye with its vibrant enamels and intricate goldwork. Its surface is a riot of color, featuring delicate floral sprays, exotic birds, and fanciful insects that seem to flutter across the porcelain. The form itself is gracefully curved, swelling gently before tapering to a slender neck and flaring rim. It represents a pivotal moment in European ceramics: the earliest days of hard-paste porcelain production outside of Asia. Before this, porcelain was imported from China and Japan, highly prized for its durability and translucent quality. The Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, established in Germany, famously cracked the secret to making true porcelain, transforming luxury goods and courtly taste across Europe.
- Artist
- Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
- Date
- 1710
- Medium
- Enameled and gilded hard-paste porcelain
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- 27.7 × 18.5 × 17 cm (10 15/16 × 7 5/16 × 6 3/4 in.)
What to Notice
Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
Look closely at the gold details, especially the delicate rococo scrolls and borders.
Observe the variety of flowers painted, from roses to tulips, in vivid blues, reds, and greens.
Find the small, detailed insects and butterflies interspersed among the foliage.
Notice the subtle translucence of the porcelain, a hallmark of hard-paste production.
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