Vase (one of a pair) 1756 - 1766

This vase was produced at the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory around the mid-18th century, crafted from a refined clay-like mixture known as soft-paste porcelain. Chelsea porcelain was all about luxury, made with the input of numerous specialized workers. From the initial molding to the delicate painting and gilding, each stage required skilled hands. The intense, almost jewel-like colors, particularly the distinctive mazarine blue, and the elaborate gold decoration, speak to a clientele eager for display. Even the narrative scene is a kind of labor; it signals refined leisure, a world apart from the factory floor. By emphasizing the artistry and difficulty involved in the creation of this vase, the Chelsea factory elevated its wares beyond mere utility. They became emblems of wealth and connoisseurship, designed to spark conversation and admiration. This vase represents a moment in time when industry met art, creating objects of lasting beauty and historical significance.