Jay (one of a pair) 1740 - 1745

Here we see one of a pair of porcelain jays, made by the Meissen Manufactory. Note the lifelike rendering of the jay perched upon a tree trunk, amidst flora and fauna. Consider the tree itself, a symbol of life, growth, and interconnectedness across cultures. The tree trunk as a 'axis mundi', a link between the earthly and the divine, appears in ancient mythologies, and echoes through the ages, depicted, for example, in illuminated manuscripts. The tree of life motif often carries an implicit association with cyclical renewal. The birds and insects around the tree can be associated with similar symbols. The jay itself has appeared throughout history, from ancient fables, representing the human condition with all of its virtues and shortcomings. Such imagery is not merely decorative but speaks to the enduring human fascination with the natural world, embodying a sense of constant renewal. The persistence and evolution of symbols through time demonstrate our shared cultural memory. They are continually reinterpreted, revealing the intricate dance between past and present.