Covered dish and tray c. late 18th century

This covered dish and tray, crafted by the Worcester Factory, captivates with its delicate blue floral motifs. These floral decorations, seemingly simple, echo the ancient and enduring human connection with nature, mirroring similar patterns seen across various cultures and eras, from ancient Minoan frescoes to Renaissance tapestries. Observe how the porcelain is pierced to create a lattice effect: this motif appears across cultures, symbolizing openness and invitation. It reminds me of the permeable boundaries between the conscious and unconscious, reflecting how cultural symbols are not static, but constantly reshaped by collective memory. The very act of containing food, elevating the mundane to the ceremonial, is a recurring theme through history. The symbolic weight of the shared meal touches something primal within us, harking back to ancient rituals of community and sustenance. This dish is a powerful reminder of how symbols evolve, carrying echoes of the past into the present.