Bottle with peony leaves c. 15th century

This bottle with peony leaves was created anonymously, and its origins are unknown. The elegant peony leaves spiraling up the bottle speak of love, affection, and feminine beauty, recurring motifs in art across cultures. The peony, often called the "king of flowers," has been celebrated in Chinese art and culture as a symbol of wealth and honor. We find related symbols of rebirth and immortality in ancient Greek art, specifically in images of the lotus flower. Similarly, the language of flowers has been found in Renaissance paintings as well, such as in Botticelli’s “Primavera”. Interestingly, the repetitive nature of these floral motifs may reflect a deeper, perhaps subconscious, human desire for renewal. Through these cultural artifacts, we find a non-linear progression of symbols and emotions, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.