Thrush (one of a pair) 1740 - 1751

This porcelain thrush was crafted at the Meissen Manufactory, sometime after its founding in 1710. These birds, perched delicately on faux branches, carry a chorus of symbolic weight that echoes through time. Birds, throughout history, have represented freedom, the soul, and divine messengers. The song of a thrush, in particular, might conjure the music of the spheres, a connection to the heavens. Yet, consider how the bird, as a symbol, is ever in flux. In medieval times, birds were often seen as omens, their flight patterns foretelling events, both good and ill. The thrush itself, in some Germanic folklore, is associated with the coming of spring, a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Now, reflect on the emotional resonance: the upward gaze, the open beak, the potential for song. Does it evoke a sense of longing, aspiration, or perhaps a simple joy in the beauty of nature? These emotional threads, woven into the image, engage us on a level that transcends mere observation. Like memories, symbols resurface, transformed yet still connected to their origins, forever in flight.