Vase with Three Handles c. 1895

Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat crafted this vase with three handles, its form echoing ancient vessels used for wine and oil. The handles themselves, reminiscent of those on Greek amphorae, carry symbolic weight beyond mere utility. They evoke ideas of connection, balance, and the careful handling of precious contents. Consider the persistent presence of handles in art across cultures and eras. In ancient Crete, elaborate handles adorned ritualistic vessels, while in medieval Europe, they appeared on ewers used in religious ceremonies. This motif of the handle transcends its practical function, becoming a symbol of transition and mediation. Even today, we subconsciously associate handles with control and guidance, recalling Jung's exploration of archetypes deeply embedded in our collective memory. The very act of holding a vessel carries an emotional charge, a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Thus, this vase serves as a reminder of the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols and how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.