Vase with handles 1885

This vase with handles was made by Crown Derby, using glazed porcelain with gilding. A visual feast, the surface is dominated by a dense pattern of golden leaves and blossoms against a dark blue ground. Royal Crown Derby, as the name suggests, enjoyed a close association with the British monarchy. Established in the mid-18th century, it was one of many English firms that sought to emulate the success of Chinese porcelain. The company relied upon the division of labor, with different workers specializing in each step of the production process, from forming and firing the clay, to painting and gilding the surface. Decoration like this was often outsourced to freelance artisans. Consider the amount of hand work that went into the surface of this object. The application of gold leaf required not only considerable skill, but also many hours of focused labor. Next time you see a piece of decorative art, remember the intense effort that went into its making, and the often-unrecognized contribution of the workers involved.