Chocolate pot 1801 - 1818

This pewter chocolate pot was crafted by Freidrich Gottfried Herrmann, a German artisan, sometime before 1813. Notice the heart-shaped bracket attaching the wooden handle to the pot. The heart, a potent symbol, signifies not only love but also the emotional and spiritual core of human experience. The heart motif has ancient roots, appearing in various cultures and religions as a symbol of life and vitality. In ancient Egypt, the heart was weighed against a feather to determine the worthiness of the deceased. Later, in medieval Europe, the heart became a symbol of romantic love. The heart’s connection to intense emotion and deep-seated desires is mirrored in the allure of chocolate. For centuries, chocolate has been associated with pleasure, indulgence, and even aphrodisiac qualities. Herrmann's clever fusion of these symbols elevates the chocolate pot from mere kitchenware to a vessel imbued with profound meaning, hinting at the rich, sensual experience it promises. This humble pot then becomes an emblem of our timeless desires.