Artwork
Making Vases
Making Vases is a paint painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Making Vases is a painting from a series of 24 works depicting the Chinese porcelain industry.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a group of men engaged in shaping vases within a well-lit workshop, highlighting their tools and hands through the use of shadows.
Context
The work was created at a time when Europeans were eager to understand the Chinese porcelain manufacturing process, which they were unable to replicate until the 18th century.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of a set that was sold to European buyers curious about Chinese porcelain production techniques.
Legacy
A similar scene is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
Potters Painting in Enamel Colours
Shaping Outsides and Footrims of Bowls
Wrapping Porcelain in Rice Straw and Packing in Wooden Tubs
Firing Enamelled Ware in Muffle Kiln
Breaking China Stone With Water-Powered Trip Hammers
Porcelain Arriving at Canton Warehouse
Making Basins
Chopping Wood and Stocking the Kiln
Digging China Clay
Potters Painting in Underglaze Blue
Men Treading China Clay in Pits
Pounding Tea Leaves and Forming Tea Cakes