Bird 1745 - 1760

This porcelain bird was crafted by the Saint James's Factory in the mid-18th century. At first glance, it is a delicate ornament, but it carries layers of meaning. The bird itself, perched atop a floral base, is an ancient symbol of the soul, of freedom, and transition between the earthly and the divine. Consider the bird motif across time. From Egyptian depictions of the soul as a bird, to Christian representations of the Holy Spirit as a dove, this image migrates across cultures, each imbuing it with new significance. The flowers at the bird's feet, symbols of renewal and beauty, speak to the cyclical nature of life and death, echoing the bird's own journey. These symbols are not static. The bird, once a symbol of spiritual ascension, in this context becomes a secular object of desire. The metamorphosis of such potent symbols speaks to our collective memory, a shared subconscious that continually reinterprets these images. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols to evolve, adapt, and resonate with the human psyche across centuries.