Silver Water Pitcher c. 1936

This is a drawing of a silver water pitcher by Clayton Braun. Note the circular emblem above the pitcher, bearing the inscription "Excelsior," a word that means "ever upward." Observe that the figure raises a hand toward the sun. This motif of upward striving has ancient roots, echoing the classical image of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun. Yet, in this instance, there is no fall, no tragedy—only the aspiration for improvement. It speaks to a deep, almost primal desire to transcend limitations, a theme that resonates across cultures and epochs. We see it mirrored in countless works—from religious iconography to secular symbols of progress. Consider the emotional impact. The gesture is one of hope, of reaching for something just beyond our grasp. This is the enduring power of symbols: they tap into our collective memory, engaging us on a profound, often subconscious level. The circular emblem suggests the cyclical progression of symbols and their meanings over time.