White Thistle

This White Thistle vase, produced by the Manufacture Nationale de Sevres in France, is a highly sculptural vessel. Artichoke like petals cover the wide lower part of the body, and have been overlaid with the three-dimensional forms of green thistles growing from the base. The piece is rendered in a palette of white, tan, and green glaze, with lines of gold rimming the mouth and foot. The porcelain work is rather tiny, standing only four inches high and two and half inches in diameter, making the sculptural design all the more intricate.