Vase mania
Vase mania in the 18th century As the Classical World was rediscovered in the second half of the 18th century, vases became popular decorative objects. During this period, the porcelain manufactory Fürstenberg designed numerous diverse vase forms, some rooted in classical examples and some based on its own motifs. Three vases, which have recently found their way into the museum and are now being exhibited, are typical examples of this important line of production. Mostly, vases served as purely decorative pieces. Vases decorated mantelpieces, chests of drawers or pedestals in sets of five to seven varying pieces whereby smaller pieces were grouped in pairs around a large center piece. As vessels for potpourri designed with cracked lids, they helped spread aromatic scents throughout the room: The various herbs and essences could be mixed within the large interiors of the vases to achieve the desired composition of scents.
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