Watering Can, 1755–1756. Decorated by François Binet (French, active 1750–1775). Manufactured by Vincennes Porcelain Manufactory (Vincennes, France, ca. 1739–1756). Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding. Purchase: the Lillian M. Diveley Fund.
Although larger manufactories such as Vincennes, Sèvres and Meissen dominated European porcelain production, 18th-century regional manufactories were also successful. As European porcelain production developed, forms were diversified. In an era of frivolity and luxury wares, flowers could be watered with this rare Vincennes Watering Can. Only made for about four years, this elaborately decorated can came in two sizes. This example is the larger size. The can is fully functional, allowing its owner to show off by using a precious, expensive object for a mundane chore.
