Vase c. 1885

This vase was created by William De Morgan, a key figure in the British Arts and Crafts movement. It's earthenware, carefully shaped and then decorated with a design of stylized flowers and foliage. De Morgan was deeply interested in the technical aspects of ceramics, experimenting with different firing techniques to achieve the vibrant, iridescent glazes you see here. Notice how the blues and greens seem to shimmer, creating a sense of depth and movement. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about process. De Morgan saw the value of traditional craft skills. What sets this vase apart is the labor involved, and its implicit critique of industrial production. Unlike mass-produced ceramics, each piece was made and decorated by hand, making it unique. De Morgan’s work invites us to appreciate the inherent value of materials, making, and context, ultimately challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.