Tile 1757 - 1761

This tile was made by John Sadler around the 1760s, showcasing a ship rendered in delftware. The ship, a potent symbol, hearkens back to ancient vessels navigating primordial waters, embodying themes of exploration, trade, and human ambition. We see this archetype echoed across cultures, from Egyptian barques ferrying souls to the afterlife to Viking longboats braving tempestuous seas. The ship carries a deep psychological weight, evoking feelings of longing for distant horizons, the thrill of discovery, and the ever-present risk of the unknown. Consider the tumultuous seas beneath the ship. The chaos and drama of these waters engage viewers on a subconscious level. Note how such motifs reappear in works across time. The ship, like the serpent or the hero, transcends specific cultures. Its non-linear progression continues, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in our ever-changing world.