Dish 1827 - 1830

This striking silver dish was crafted by Frederick Marquand in the 19th century. Notice its elegant, elongated form, elevated by four feet terminating in stylized animal paws. These paw-like feet are potent symbols. They echo the ancient fascination with the animalistic, with strength and stability. Consider the Egyptian Sphinx, with its lion's body and human head, embodying wisdom and power. This motif surfaces repeatedly, from Roman furniture to Renaissance bronzes, each time carrying a trace of its primal origins. The very act of elevating the dish speaks to a desire to sanctify its contents, to set them apart. In the context of dining, the dish itself transcends mere functionality, becoming a vessel laden with cultural meaning. The subtle curve of its body and the reflective surface of the silver amplify this effect, engaging the viewer on a subconscious level. It is a silent invitation to partake in a ritual. The symbolic journey of this motif is far from linear. It is cyclical, resurfacing, evolving, and acquiring new significance in each era.