Kop van porselein, pate tendre, versierd in blauw en wit c. 1775 - 1824

This porcelain cup, decorated in blue and white by Spode, presents a fascinating dance of floral motifs. Roses, symbols of love and beauty since ancient times, intertwine with other blossoms in a composition that speaks to a deeper longing for harmony and connection with nature. Consider how similar floral patterns appear in Renaissance tapestries, adorning the clothing of mythological figures. The rose, for instance, was often associated with Venus, the goddess of love. Here, though divorced from overt mythological narratives, the cup evokes a sense of timelessness. The cup’s circular form encourages contemplation on cycles and rituals, each sip of tea becoming a meditation. The color palette, dominated by blue, has historically signified the divine and the celestial. How, then, might the act of drinking from this cup invite a subconscious connection with something larger than ourselves? It's a powerful symbol that resonates across centuries, echoing through art, myth, and our innermost selves.