Swan-necked flask Qajar dynasty (1796–1925), 19th century

This cyan-colored flask, with its elongated, curved neck and swan-like head, is a testament to the enduring allure of animal forms in art. Consider how the swan motif has, through centuries, symbolized grace and purity. The creature's sinuous neck, echoed here in the glassblower's art, has appeared in countless guises, from the mythological Leda and the Swan to ballet. What is it about this elegant bird that captures our imagination across cultures? The swan's association with water, the realm of emotions and the unconscious, suggests a deeper, psychological resonance. The flask’s elegant shape, both functional and beautiful, transforms the practical into something emotionally evocative. As you gaze upon it, consider how such forms persist, reborn in new materials and contexts, always carrying echoes of their past lives.