Moon flask with fish vase holding orchid spray 1867 - 1877

This Moon flask with fish vase holding orchid spray was made with porcelain by Minton. The Minton factory was one of several that dominated the British ceramics industry at the end of the nineteenth century. The hybrid form and decoration on this vase demonstrates the fashion for Chinoiserie at this time. Wealthy Victorians were avid collectors of Chinese and Japanese porcelain, but factories like Minton would also respond to this enthusiasm by producing their own versions. The result was often a quirky mixture of East and West, showing a fascination with and a misunderstanding of Asian culture. The vivid colors and ornate gilding speak of British taste, while the motifs are taken from Chinese art. The art historian would look to trade histories and museum collections to understand more about the complex cultural exchange that produced works like this. The meaning of this piece lies in understanding the institutional and economic context that it was created in.