Plateau for a tureen 1725 - 1735

Jean-Baptiste Guillibaud created this plateau for a tureen with tin-glazed earthenware, likely in the 18th century. The dominant motif is a stylized tree, bursting with flowers and leaves, with a bird perched above—symbols deeply rooted in cultural memory. The tree, a universal symbol of life, growth, and connection between heaven and earth, appears across cultures from the Tree of Life in ancient Mesopotamia to the sacred trees of various mythologies. Similarly, birds have long been associated with the soul, freedom, and transcendence. Consider the phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, or the dove, representing peace. Here, the combination of the tree and bird evokes a longing for harmony and spiritual elevation. This composition invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of life. How these symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts is a testament to their enduring power.