Art Nouveau Style Vase with Stylized Floral Motif

Yellow sunflower wheels, scalloped gray swags and slim stems that end in tiny spearheads.

This Art Nouveau style vase with stylized floral motif comes from the Netherlands and dates to the 20th century. It is painted porcelain. Dutch Art Nouveau designers were known for flat, rhythmic floral patterns that turned plants into near-geometric ornament. The ovoid body narrows to a small neck with a gilt rim. Around the shoulder, a band of gray scallops with dark wavy lines hangs above large yellow roundels with maroon and gold centers. Long stems cross a white ground below, linked by angular olive tracery and ending in blue petal shapes at the foot. It is 11.75 inches high.

A garden, rearranged by someone with a ruler and excellent taste.