Vaas met bolvormig lichaam, kort ingesnoerde hals en wijd uitstaande mondrand 1880 - 1920

Editor: Right now, we're looking at a piece from between 1880 and 1920, a vase crafted by De Porceleijne Fles. It’s made of earthenware. The overall feel of it is quaint, maybe even a little melancholic with its muted colors and slightly chipped rim. What draws your eye when you see this piece? Curator: Oh, I’m immediately transported to a sun-drenched Dutch garden, even though the palette isn’t as vibrant as you might expect. The floral motifs—lotuses, perhaps?—arranged around the bulbous body whisper of Art Nouveau’s fascination with the natural world, filtered through a Dutch lens. See how the artist balances symmetry with slight imperfections? Editor: I do! The hand-painted look makes it feel more personal than mass-produced. Are those imperfections intentional, do you think? Curator: That’s a delightful question! Maybe. Or perhaps that’s the soul of the artist breaking through the constraints of craft. Think of the person who made this—what were they feeling that day? Were they thinking of impressing the boss or about home and dinner, do you suppose? But I love that even though it is 'decorative art,' there’s also a quiet functionality hinted at in its form. It invites contemplation. Editor: I see what you mean! It's not just pretty; it sparks curiosity. It makes me want to learn more about the artisan, the era, everything! It is also really fascinating that we both connected to the imperfections and hand painted look, which gives the artwork a feeling of closeness. Curator: Exactly! And that, my friend, is where art truly lives. It transcends mere aesthetics and becomes a conduit for connection, across time and cultures, with you and with me and hopefully many many more.