Flowerpot container (cache-pot) c. 1778 - 1782

This porcelain flowerpot container was made by Loosdrecht, and its elegant design speaks volumes. The handles are formed by swans, symbols of grace and purity, yet also deeply entwined with tales of transformation and love, think of Leda and the Swan! The basket overflowing with fruit, centered within a painted medallion, is more than mere decoration. It evokes images of abundance, and nature’s bounty, reminiscent of classical cornucopias found in ancient Roman art. This motif, signaling prosperity, has been repurposed across centuries in various contexts, from religious allegories to secular displays of wealth. The presence of the swan coupled with the basket of fruits stirs a sense of longing, echoing how symbols resonate and transform through time and collective memory. It is a testament to the enduring power of images to engage us on a profound, often subconscious, level.