Vase 1879 - 1883

This vase was crafted by Tiffany & Co. The silver overlay, mimicking molten material, evokes a sense of dynamic transformation. Consider how metalwork, since antiquity, has carried connotations of alchemy and transformation, reflecting a human desire to transmute base materials into precious ones. Here, the fluid silver seems to defy its solid state, echoing similar themes of metamorphosis found in ancient mythology and ritualistic art. Think of the Greek god Hermes, whose caduceus embodies a similar duality of fluidity and structure. This motif appears in many works throughout history, from the Mannerist period to Surrealism, symbolizing change and the breaking down of rigid forms. This aesthetic and conceptual fluidity resonates with our subconscious understanding of change. The vase becomes a powerful symbol, embodying a continuous cycle of decay and renewal.