Centennial Vase, 1877
Made by Karl L. H. Müller (German, ca. 1820–1887); manufactured by Union Porcelain Works (American, 1863–ca. 1922)
Porcelain
Artist Biography
Technical Glossary
Made by Karl L. H. Müller (German, ca. 1820–1887); manufactured by Union Porcelain Works (American, 1863–ca. 1922)
Porcelain
12 3/4 x 10 1/4 in. (32.4 x 26 cm)
Friends of the American Wing Fund, 1987 (1987.12)
The sculptor Karl Müller designed a number of works for the Union Porcelain Works display at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Among his most notable were a pair of large Century vases, each covered with a profusion of historical scenes and novel combinations of patriotic motifs in relief. North American bison heads serve as handles; a profile portrait of George Washington embellishes each side; and each of the six biscuit-relief panels around the base depicts a different scene from American history.
