-Sea Urchin- double-spouted vessel 1879 - 1882

This -Sea Urchin- double-spouted vessel was crafted by Christopher Dresser using glazed earthenware. Consider the sea urchin motif: the rounded form and nodular surface evoke the mysteries of the ocean depths. Throughout history, the sea has symbolized the unconscious, a realm of hidden forces and primordial life. The sea urchin, with its protective spines, speaks to a deep, instinctual need for safety and self-preservation. We can see echoes of this form in ancient Minoan pottery, where marine motifs were used to evoke the power of the sea. This visual language transcends time, resurfacing in different contexts, each time imbued with new layers of meaning. The sea urchin, in its humble form, becomes a vessel carrying our collective memories and subconscious fears.