Vaas van hard aardewerk, versierd met irissen in kleuren 1900 - 1910

This vase, decorated with irises, was made of hard pottery by N.V. Haagsche Plateelfabriek Rozenburg. Look closely at the colours: purples, greens, and creams layered to capture the iris in full bloom. It's a great example of how the process of artmaking is all about building up layers. The texture is smooth, almost like skin, but the painted details bring it to life. The artist has used tiny, precise brushstrokes to build up the irises, so the petals feel almost velvety. It’s so controlled, especially when you see the delicate lines of the stems. I am reminded of botanical illustration, scientific observation combined with aesthetic appreciation. There's a real tension between the clean, modern shape of the vase and the naturalistic, almost romantic, depiction of the flowers. It reminds me a little of the work of William Morris, that fascination with nature and decoration, but with a Dutch twist. It’s a reminder that art is always a conversation. What do you think?