Bratina with cover 19th century

This impressive Bratina with cover was crafted by Elkington & Co., its surface adorned with heraldic motifs and intricate floral patterns. The symbolic language speaks of lineage and status. Observe the rampant lions on the shield, emblems of courage and nobility found across Europe, echoing in medieval tapestries and Renaissance family crests. These lions evoke a collective memory of chivalry and heraldic tradition. The figure on top recalls classical antiquity’s depictions of Flora, the goddess of springtime, fertility, and flowers. We see Flora again and again, from Botticelli’s "Primavera" to decorative arts across centuries. The choice of gold and silver heightens the object's value and reflects a desire to connect with cultural touchstones of power, prestige, and beauty. Such a vessel speaks to the cyclical nature of symbols, endlessly resurfacing and taking on new meanings across time.