Vase c. 1770

This vase, crafted by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company, presents us with a captivating dance of symbols. At its heart, we find birds amidst lush foliage, a motif echoing the ancient theme of the "locus amoenus," the idyllic, sheltered place. The depiction of birds, particularly the peacock, has traversed cultures and centuries. From the peacock feathers that adorn the throne of Juno in Roman art, symbolizing immortality, to its later associations with vanity and pride, the bird carries a complex history. Consider the transformation of the 'eye' motif, prominently displayed in the bird's plumage. Initially an emblem of vigilance and divine oversight, it gradually morphed into a symbol of spectacle and self-regard. Here, it reflects the emotional intensity of nature itself, a primal force engaging us on a subconscious level. The vase reminds us that symbols possess an uncanny ability to resurface, evolving and adopting new meanings as they journey through time. It speaks of the continuous, cyclical progression inherent in cultural memory.