Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Moon Flask from Franz Anton Mehlem, Germany, 1865

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A striking aesthetic movement moon flask by franz anton mehlem, made in germany in 1865, its flattened earthenware form richly … Read more A striking aesthetic movement moon flask by franz anton mehlem, made in germany in 1865, its flattened earthenware form richly decorated with japonisme motifs. The broad circular body is almost completely enveloped by an intricate iron-red transfer of flowering prunus against an ivory ground. Set across this dense floral pattern are contrasting green-framed cartouches depicting birds within japanese-inspired landscapes: an egret stands amongst trees and vegetation, while a second bird appears in flight beneath the branches of a tree. Their deliberately framed presentation gives the scenes the appearance of individual pictures laid across the patterned surface. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the pair of applied zigzag handles sweeping around the shoulders. Bold and highly sculptural, their repeated angular profile creates a pronounced contrast with the generous curve of the body and the delicacy of the floral decoration. A short neck and broad flared lip rise from the centre, while the flask is balanced below on a spreading pedestal foot. The combination of japanese-inspired imagery, densely repeated botanical ornament and emphatically geometric handles places the vase firmly within the decorative vocabulary of the aesthetic movement. Rather than treating the surface as a single continuous composition, the design layers pattern, pictorial panels and three-dimensional ornament, giving the relatively slender vessel considerable visual depth. The restrained palette of iron red, deep green and ivory further unifies these contrasting elements. Viewed from the side, the unusually narrow depth of the flask becomes apparent, emphasising the almost disc-like character of the traditional moon-flask form. The piece bears an impressed fah insignia. Condition: one crack to the pedestal base has been glued. Apart from this repair, all other elements are in very good antique condition. Dimensions: height 23.5 cm / 9.25 in.; width 21 cm / 8.27 in.; depth 4 cm / 1.57 in. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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