Potpourri 1870 - 1880

This potpourri container was made by Minton, a ceramics firm known for its inventive designs and production techniques. Though we don’t have a specific date, Minton was active throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The container is made of porcelain, which is fired at high temperatures to create a smooth, non-porous surface, ideal for holding scented botanical mixtures. The elaborate, colorful designs were achieved through multiple layers of enamel, each requiring separate firings. Notice the fine gold lines; these would have been applied by hand, demanding great skill. Minton was renowned for adapting techniques from around the world, and this potpourri shows the influence of both French and Asian decorative traditions. The company was at the forefront of industrial-scale ceramics, and this piece reflects the complex division of labor necessary to realize such intricate designs at scale. It is a testament to the artistic aspirations of the industrial age.