Bottle with a thistle medallion 1670 - 1680

This salt-glazed stoneware bottle, crafted by John Dwight, features a thistle medallion. The thistle, emblem of Scotland, transcends mere heraldry; it embodies resilience, a stubborn refusal to be conquered, dating back to its legendary role in repelling a Viking invasion. Consider the thistle's prickly nature – a natural defense mirroring the psychological defenses we erect. Like the Gorgon's head, its image is both a protective ward and a symbol of defiance. Throughout history, we see this prickly motif echoed - from medieval tapestries to modern logos - each iteration layering new cultural significance onto the old. Observe how the thistle, once a simple botanical emblem, has become a complex signifier of national pride and fortitude. It represents a collective memory and a deep-seated need to ward off perceived threats. This cyclical journey—from nature to symbol and back again—reveals the enduring power of images to shape and reflect our shared human experience.