Bokaal c. 1850 - 1863

Here we see a photograph by Charles Clifford, depicting a Bokaal, its precise date unknown. Observe how its handle is adorned with the figures of a mermaid and a diving male. These are not merely decorative; they echo a rich tapestry of mythological and symbolic meanings. The mermaid, a classic figure of folklore, embodies allure and the dangers of the sea, while the diving man, reminiscent of ancient depictions of Icarus, represents both aspiration and the risk of overreach. These motifs resurface across cultures, from ancient Greek sirens to Renaissance fountains featuring diving figures, each reflecting humanity's enduring fascination with the boundaries between the known and the unknown. This Bokaal serves not only as a vessel for liquids but also as a carrier of potent, age-old narratives, engaging our subconscious with themes of desire, peril, and transformation.