U-shaped vase with handle (one of a pair) 1869

This striking U-shaped vase with handle was crafted by Minton, featuring stylized motifs that echo across cultures. Look closely at the vase's body: notice the painted zoomorphic figure of a serpent with its head bent over a cloud-like form, a motif that may evoke the ancient symbol of the Ouroboros. The serpent encircling itself appears in ancient Egyptian iconography and Norse mythology, often representing cyclicality and renewal. Here, the image may have been used to invite contemplation on life's ever-changing, self-renewing nature. Moreover, the geometric forms around the base of the vase recall the 'meander,' which frequently appears in ancient Greek art, symbolizing eternity or the unbreakable bond of kinship. Observe, too, the bright blue. How this color has been culturally coded over time, shifting from representing royalty and wealth, to sacred truths. Such recurrences are not mere coincidences but instances of the human psyche's enduring fascination with particular images. Our collective subconscious is a potent force, imbuing these symbols with an evocative and deeply affecting aura. The vase embodies a timeless engagement with symbolic forms, reappearing across different epochs and geographical regions.