Decanter with stopper and four glasses c. 1880

This elegant decanter with stopper and four glasses is an unsigned work crafted from clear glass. Adorning its surface, we see stylized feather motifs. These feathers, etched with precision, evoke a sense of lightness and ascension. One is reminded of the wings of Icarus, or even the plumes worn by ancient priests. Consider the symbolic weight of feathers throughout history: in ancient Egypt, they adorned the headdresses of pharaohs, signifying divine authority. These motifs, prevalent across cultures and eras, suggest themes of spirituality, freedom, and the ephemeral nature of life. Here, the feather motif transcends mere decoration. It serves as a bridge, linking us to primal human desires and existential reflections, engaging us on a deeply subconscious level. A beautiful reminder that symbols are never static; they evolve, adapt, and resurface, perpetually renewed with each encounter.