Vase with lid (one of a pair) 1821 - 1850

These vibrant vases with lids were crafted in 1826-1848 by C.J. Mason and Co. The vase is decorated with small landscape vignettes, each bordered by an oval frame, suggesting a view into a peaceful scene. Above, the pagoda-like lid adds to the overall Orientalist charm. These scenes aren’t isolated; similar depictions of serene landscapes have appeared across time and cultures, acting as a portal to tranquility. Consider, for instance, the ‘garden,’ as a recurring motif in Persian rugs, symbolizing paradise. And the pagoda? It evokes not just architectural beauty but a longing for spiritual ascension. The vase acts as a receptacle not only for physical contents but for deep emotional associations tied to human desires for tranquility and spiritual harmony. Such symbols, woven into the cultural fabric, remind us that art transcends mere representation, tapping into our collective memory. The journey of a single symbol through art is never linear but a continuous cycle of reinvention.