Vase with cover (part of a garniture of three vases)

Art Historical Context

This elegant vase with cover, created around 1773 in Bristol, England, exemplifies the early success of British hard-paste porcelain production. As part of a garniture of three matching vases, it was intended for symmetrical display on a mantelpiece or cabinet, reflecting the refined tastes of 18th-century interiors. Hard-paste porcelain, stronger and more durable than the soft-paste varieties previously made in Britain, allowed for delicate forms and fine details that elevated such objects from utilitarian to works of art. Associated with the Bristol factory and figures like Richard Champion, the piece likely features naturalistic tree motifs, a popular decorative choice that connected viewers to the beauty of the natural world. Its modest height of 12½ inches made it both practical and ornamental, embodying the period’s blend of technical innovation and aesthetic grace within European decorative arts. Now part of the Metropolitan Museum’s collection through a generous gift, this vase invites visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural significance of British porcelain during the Enlightenment.