Clément Massier, Iridescent mouse planter, Circa 1890–1900, Polychrome glazed faience, Vallauris, France

This golden-hued planter features mice in low relief on each of its sides. It is particularly representative of the artistic explorations of the 19th century. Artists at the time drew inspiration from natural forms while also looking to the past and to exotic countries. This trend coincided with a revolution in chemical, physical, and industrial techniques, opening the door to new materials. Traces of metallic glaze, giving an iridescent effect, can still be seen on the upper part of the piece.

This metallic lustre is achieved through the incorporation of metal oxides into the glaze. Light reflects off the suspended metallic particles, creating subtle, iridescent, colored highlights. The technique first appeared in Iraq in the 9th century AD and spread widely throughout Islamic ceramics before being introduced to Europe in the 7th century. The color palette of these early lustres ranged from coppery browns and golden yellows to copper greens and ruby reds. In the 19th century, the Symbolist aesthetic expressed itself not only through new themes but also through material experimentation. Lustreware fascinated late-century artists for its expressive potential.