The Sèvres porcelain factory (1738) always tried to keep up with the times. By attracting modern artists, it ensured a supply of fresh, contemporary designs. This impressively tall vase is a fine example of innovations at Sèvres. The ornamentation of white and purple clematis with ochre-coloured thistles and the butterflies on the decora-tive railing at bottom reflect the influence of Japanese art, which was then extremely popular.