Flower container (Flower brick)

Description

Objects of this rectangular-block form, with rows of small holes (or sometimes fewer larger holes) often are refered to as flower bricks. They were suitable for both live flowers, requiring water in the vessel, or for dried or artificial ones. The chinoiserie (Chinese Taste) floral motif found on this example is known as the mimosa pattern. In a discussion of a pair of similar flower bricks in the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation collection, that museum's website states "Fragments with the mimosa pattern seen on these bricks have been excavated on many sites in Williamsburg, including the William Finnie House (2BA.0608), the George Wythe House (2IAA.0132), and the Printing Office, Post Office, and Hunter's Store and Tenement site (18HA.0637, 1H8A.0638)."