Tureen c. 1700 - 1724

This Delftware tureen, made anonymously, presents us with a fascinating array of symbols rendered in gold against a deep blue backdrop. Note the abundant use of botanical motifs, especially the stylized floral basket on the side. Such symbols are deeply rooted in the human psyche, evoking feelings of growth, prosperity, and connection to nature. Consider the 'horror vacui' displayed in the decoration of this object. Every space of the tureen's surface is filled with decorative elements, a phenomenon seen across cultures and eras. From ancient Roman mosaics to medieval illuminated manuscripts, the fear of empty space drives artists to fill every available area with motifs that tap into our deepest anxieties about chaos and the void. The golden floral arrangements stand out prominently, and can be seen in different forms across other artworks over time, even in contemporary designs. They can be considered as palimpsests of meaning, reflecting both a conscious aesthetic choice and echoing a deeper, subconscious connection to past cultural experiences. The persistent resurfacing and transformation of symbols allows for a cyclical progression, and it highlights how cultural memory shapes our visual world.