Pair of mantelpiece vases 1765 - 1779

These mantelpiece vases, standing at six and a half inches tall, were crafted in 1774 by West Pans. They present a delicate yet complex interplay of form and decoration. The eye is immediately drawn to the contrast between the vases' smooth, pale surfaces and the vibrant, protruding floral ornamentation. The structure of each vase is defined by a subtly curved body that then is enhanced by a profusion of ceramic flowers and foliage. This juxtaposition challenges the traditional function of vases as mere containers, transforming them into sculptural objects in their own right. The application of colorful floral decoration isn't simply decorative; it signifies an exploration of materiality and the interplay between nature and artifice. The vases invite us to consider how the applied floral motifs engage with broader aesthetic and philosophical questions about the relationship between utility and aesthetics. They question fixed meanings and traditional artistic values.