Tray with vase of flowers 1725 - 1740

This porcelain tray with vase of flowers was created in Vienna and is now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This piece encapsulates a pivotal moment when Europe became fascinated with Asian aesthetics, a movement known as "chinoiserie". Notice how the central floral arrangement mimics those found in Chinese art. Yet, the context of its creation is far from simple admiration. European powers were actively engaged in trade and colonial exploitation in Asia. The tray becomes a complex symbol reflecting a history of cultural exchange and appropriation. Even something as seemingly innocent as a vase of flowers can carry the weight of colonial history, reminding us to consider whose stories are told and whose are left out. Do you think the creator was aware of this complexity? What do you feel when you look at the art?