Plate c. 1780

This plate was crafted by the Wedgwood Manufactory, showcasing classical motifs in white relief against a striking blue ground. Note the lion, emblem of strength and sovereignty, proudly displayed in an oval cartouche. The sinuous floral patterns winding around the plate, though decorative, echo the Tree of Life, an ancient symbol spanning cultures from Assyria to the Far East. It represents interconnectedness, growth, and regeneration, touching on a profound, almost subconscious recognition. Consider how such symbols migrate and transform. The lion, potent in Mesopotamian art as a symbol of royal power, reappears in Renaissance heraldry and even modern branding. The motifs adapt, yet the primal emotions they evoke—fear, respect, awe—remain potent, subtly influencing us across centuries. A testament to the enduring power of images!