The Modernity of the 18th Century

The word "new" has attained such a great marketing value that it is used all too often. As a matter of fact what we think of as new often has long and deep roots in history. The Chinese artist who carved the above piece of jade created a sculpture with a very abstract and refined shape which could very well be attributed to our time. This stunning carving was made in China in the 18th century. The vase below was made in Murano, Italy toward the end of the 20th century. Inspired by the beautifully embroidered lace handkerchiefs of the 18th and 19th centuries, it became known as a handkerchief vase. The artists of Murano have surely not lose sight that lace was first invented in nearby Venice.

Venini Fazzoletto Hankerchief Vase, Murano, Italy

Lalique Hairpin, France, early 20th century

The design of the flower is very stylized and abstract. Similar hairpins can be seen at the Musée d'Orsay and at the Gulbekian Museum in Lisbon, Portugal. Calouste Sarkis Gulbekian was a loyal Lalique customer