Teapot 1725 - 1735

This teapot was crafted by Benjamin Wynkoop Jr., around the mid-18th century. Note the delicate engraving on the teapot’s belly. What heraldic symbols do you see? The griffin, a hybrid of eagle and lion, and a chevron. Such symbols were not merely decorative; they were badges of lineage, social standing, and aspirations. The griffin, found from ancient Near Eastern art through medieval heraldry, embodies watchfulness and courage, a guardian of treasures. The chevron, resembling rafters, symbolizes protection and service. Consider how the griffin, a symbol of royal power in ancient Persia, metamorphosed into a Christian symbol of Christ's dual nature—human and divine. These transformations remind us that symbols are never static; they evolve through cultural migrations, accumulating layers of meaning as they travel. In the dance of history, symbols retain a powerful charge, engaging us on a subconscious level with echoes of ancient fears, hopes, and identities.