Chocolate Pot 1885 - 1895

This chocolate pot was crafted by the Ceramic Art Company of Trenton, New Jersey, sometime between 1889 and 1896. The pot’s handle and spout are formed by mythical creatures. The handle is shaped like a serpentine dragon with scales, while the spout features a fierce leonine face with flowing locks, perhaps intended to evoke a sense of power and prestige. This combination of dragon and lion may stem from ancient heraldic traditions, where these beasts represent strength, protection, and noble lineage. We see echoes of this motif in Renaissance and Baroque art, where similar creatures frequently guard coats of arms. Think of the emotional intensity conveyed by these formidable guardians. How they engage the viewer on a subconscious level! The dragon, with its roots in ancient mythologies, and the lion, a symbol of royal authority, both resurface here. Such symbols are not static; they evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings as they traverse the currents of cultural memory.