Design for Four Vases 1765 - 1790

This is a design for four vases, created by an anonymous artist, rendered in pen and ink with watercolor on laid paper. Vases are often seen as symbols of status and taste, particularly for women. The design speaks to the historical context of decorative arts, where objects were not just functional but also reflected social hierarchies and cultural values. Each vase design varies, possibly reflecting the diversity in taste and social positioning. The level of detail with which the vases have been rendered is evocative. Note how some vases are only sketched. This suggests a world of possibilities and invites reflection on the narratives these vessels might hold. Are they about display, about the intimate domestic sphere, or the rituals and traditions of elite society? The contrast between the finished and unfinished designs invites a discussion about potential, realization, and the stories objects tell about ourselves.