Bowl with Handles 1677 - 1683

This exquisite bowl was crafted by Marx Merzenbach in the 17th century. The agate stone, with its swirling patterns and earthy tones, is elevated by ornate, gilded handles, each topped with a dragon figure. Dragons—symbols of power and protection—have slithered through the annals of art history. From the guardian dragons of ancient Mesopotamia to the serpentine beasts of Asian lore, these mythical creatures embody a primordial force, a guardian of hidden knowledge. They resurface in medieval heraldry, breathing fire across banners. Note the colorful floral decoration on the base: flowers, symbols of fleeting beauty, add a touch of lightness to the formidable dragons. These motifs engage our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations with strength, beauty, and the ever-turning cycle of life and death. Thus, the dragon motif evolves—a testament to the enduring power of symbols, ever shifting, yet forever resonant in the collective consciousness.