Jardiniere c. 1800

This pair of jardinières, or ornamental flower pots, were made from earthenware by an anonymous maker. The process begins with clay, which is mixed, formed, fired, and glazed. Though we can’t know for sure, these were likely slip-cast: liquid clay poured into plaster molds. Once set, the molds are removed, leaving a perfectly formed shape, ready for decoration. The decoration is what makes them so intriguing. They are embellished with classical motifs in contrasting colours. Look at the carefully painted borders, and the stylized vessels containing figures. These designs give the jardinières a sense of antiquity, like relics from ancient Greece or Rome. Yet, the mass-produced quality of the earthenware suggests a more recent origin, tied to industrial production and consumer culture. Ultimately, the jardinières are a reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward objects can be complex products of their time, reflecting both the skill of the maker and the broader social context in which they were created.