Barrel-shaped tankard and cover with flowering plants in panels c. 1875 - 1949

This barrel-shaped tankard with a lid, decorated with flowering plants, was made by Samson & Cie. The decoration is so detailed, it’s almost overwhelming. The palette is quite muted, giving it a soft overall feel despite the complexity of the pattern. I think about what it must have been like to create something like this, spending hours delicately painting those tiny details. It makes me want to slow down. If you look closely at the panels, you’ll notice little birds hidden amongst the flowers. They're almost like a secret for the viewer to discover. There's a real fluidity and movement to the design that leads the eye around the object. It reminds me of 18th century porcelain. It shows how the conversation between artists never really ends. And that’s the joy of art, right? There is always something new to discover and explore.