Cup plate 1830 - 1835

This cup plate, of unknown origin, showcases a constellation of circular forms, each a microcosm reflecting broader cultural obsessions with totality and completion. The circle, a symbol as ancient as time itself, echoes through history, from the Ouroboros of ancient Egypt, devouring its tail in an eternal loop, to the mandalas of Tibetan Buddhism, representing the universe's infinite nature. Look closely, and you'll see how these contained circles bear textured patterns. The texture invites a tactile memory, linking the user to ancestral experiences of holding and sharing. This simple, functional object becomes charged with a psychological resonance, a reminder of communal bonds. Consider how the circle reappears in modern logos, wedding rings, or the halos of religious figures – each time, it evokes a sense of unity, protection, and the eternal. This cup plate, then, is not merely a utilitarian item, but a vessel of cultural memory, its circular motif acting as a timeless echo that subtly affects our perceptions and emotions.