Cup from a tea service for twelve 1807 - 1808

This delicate porcelain cup, part of a tea service for twelve, was crafted by Christophe-Ferdinand Caron. Notice the vibrant bird painted against a serene landscape; this avian motif carries layers of meaning beyond mere decoration. Birds, since antiquity, have symbolized the soul's journey, freedom, and transcendence. Recall the Egyptian Ba bird or the Greek psyche, often depicted with wings, carrying the spirit. The presence of a bird in flight might evoke a deep-seated longing for liberation, echoing ancient myths of transformation and escape. The evolution of this symbol is fascinating. While once revered as messengers of the gods or embodiments of the soul, birds also appear in less flattering contexts, like Hitchcock’s film 'The Birds', where they evoke primordial fears of nature turning against us. This duality reveals how cultural memory and subconscious anxieties can reshape even the most enduring symbols. The flight of this little creature becomes a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level and tapping into a primal understanding of life, death, and the eternal quest for freedom.