Saucer (part of a service) 1735 - 1745

This elegant saucer was designed by Cornelis Pronk. At its heart, a stylized palmette rises, a motif stretching back to ancient Egypt, where it symbolized life and regeneration. Observe how Pronk, in his 18th-century Dutch context, reinterprets this ancient form. The palmette is framed against a gridded background, perhaps alluding to the structured order of Dutch society. Yet, the flowing lines and delicate curls soften the geometry, breathing life into the pattern. Consider its journey: from adorning pharaohs' tombs to gracing delicate porcelain. This enduring symbol speaks to our collective yearning for harmony and continuity. The palmette is not merely a decorative element; it's a vessel carrying centuries of cultural memory, stirring deep within us a sense of connection to the past.