Plate c. 1880

This plate was crafted by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company. It is adorned with a complex array of symbols, most notably the fan shape, a motif that appears in various forms across cultures. The fan serves as a canvas for nature: birds in flight, reeds, and flowers, all rendered in gilded tones against a pale backdrop. This recalls the ancient fascination with nature's vital force. We see echoes of similar forms in Minoan art, where nature is similarly depicted. The fan itself, often associated with status, is not merely a decorative element but a loaded cultural artifact, a vehicle for meaning. Its presence speaks to a delicate interplay between nature and artifice, reflecting the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world. This image shows the cyclical nature of symbols: how an object can be imbued with new significance across time.