Vase

Art Historical Context

Crafted by the United States Pottery Company between1849 and 1858, this elegant vase exemplifies mid-19th-century American in ceramics. Standing at 9⅝ inches tall, it is made of Parian porcelain—an unglazed, matte white material designed to imitate the translucent glow of Parian marble from the Greek island of Paros This medium gained popularity in the 1840s and 1850s as American manufacturers sought to rival European luxury goods, producing affordable yet sophisticated decorative objects for the growing middle class. The vase's delicate form and presumed grape motifs reflect Victorian tastes for classical motifs symbolizing abundance and nature's bounty. United States Pottery Company, based in Bennington, Vermont, was a pioneer in Parian ware, blending industrial techniques with artistic finesse to create sculptural pieces like vases, figurines, and busts. Displayed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this gift from Dr. Charles W. Green in 1947 highlights the era's entrepreneurial spirit and the rise of American decorative arts during a time of national expansion and cultural refinement. Its subtle elegance invites visitors to appreciate how everyday luxury bridged art and industry, making classical beauty accessible in American homes.