Potpourri Jar

Although larger manufactories such as Vincennes, Sèvres and Meissen dominated European porcelain production, 18th-century regional manufactories were also successful. The lush flowers of the Höchst Sugar Bowl and the Mennecy Jug reflect the exceptional painted decorations for which these two smaller manufactories were known, while the delicate, applied leaves of the Saint-Cloud Potpourri Jar exhibit this manufacturer's characteristic relief style inspired by Chinese blanc de chine (white) porcelain. The Chantilly Vase drew from brightly polychromed Japanese ceramics for its decorative motifs. As European porcelain production developed, forms were diversified. In an era of frivolity and luxury wares, flowers could be watered with this rare Vincennes Watering Can or arranged in the Sèvres Vase à Compartiments. Although the Vincennes Tankard's intended function was utilitarian, its exotic, gilded decoration of birds and palm trees against the mottled lapis bleu ground indicates it chiefly served as a status symbol.

Purchase: the Esther Clark Garnett Fund