Vase 1886 - 1896

This vase was crafted by Minton, featuring motifs that echo across centuries. See how the stylized floral patterns, rendered in red and black, dominate the vessel's surface against a bright yellow background. The floral element, here abstracted, has roots stretching back to ancient Persia, where it symbolized fertility and abundance. We see it echoed in Renaissance tapestries, where flowers became emblems of courtly love and aristocratic virtue. Consider the peacock tail motif, with each 'eye' representing vigilance and omniscience, a symbol found in various forms from ancient Egypt to the Mughal Empire, often linked with royalty and divine protection. These motifs, seemingly disparate, reveal a collective memory, a shared language of symbols that speaks to our subconscious. The repetition of patterns creates a hypnotic rhythm, engaging viewers on an emotional level. It is a reminder of our shared cultural past, constantly resurfacing and evolving in new contexts.