"Alhambra" vase with lid 1877 - 1890

This "Alhambra" vase with lid was crafted by Crown Derby, featuring intricate patterns on porcelain. Its arabesque designs echo the Moorish influence of Spain’s Alhambra Palace, where complex geometric and floral patterns symbolize paradise. The vase's motifs resonate with ancient desires. The teardrop shape at the center is suggestive of the “boteh” or “buta,” a motif with roots in ancient Persia and India. The symbol has been interpreted variously as a floral spray, a cypress tree, or a flame, often associated with fertility, eternity, and life. Think of how this form reappears across centuries and continents, from the paisley patterns on shawls to contemporary fashion. The visual echoes of this vase evoke a sense of cultural memory. It’s as if the collective subconscious recognizes and responds to these time-honored symbols. These patterns touch deep emotional chords, where the past and present merge in our understanding of beauty and meaning.