Candlestick (one of a pair) 1769 - 1770

This candlestick was crafted at the Derby Porcelain Manufactory in the late 18th century, a period that reveled in the symbolism of nature and its delicate beauty. Here, we see an elaborate arrangement of flowers surrounding a grouping of fowl, dominated by a proud rooster. Consider the rooster: a symbol of vigilance, courage, and even lust, its image dates back to ancient civilizations. In many cultures, it heralds the dawn, chasing away the darkness. Yet, the rooster is not alone. The clustering of hens introduces a narrative of domesticity and fertility, common themes in art across cultures, linked to primal instincts. Think of fertility goddesses, where the abundance of nature mirrors the hope for progeny. The combination of these symbols creates a tableau that touches upon our collective memory, evoking feelings of warmth, vitality, and the cyclical rhythm of life itself. The past is ever-present, resurfacing in new forms, each laden with layers of meaning.