Teapot with roses in a basket c. 1795

This delightful porcelain teapot, likely from the Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur, features roses in a basket. The rose, an age-old symbol of love and beauty, has blossomed across cultures, from ancient Greece, where it was associated with Aphrodite, to its later Christian symbolism representing the Virgin Mary. Here, massed together as if freshly picked, their presence is especially charming. Roses carry a delicate aroma of the fleeting nature of life. Consider, too, the basket. It speaks of bounty and harvest, a vessel of plenty, but also of containment, a structured space for nature's wildness. The image of a basket overflowing with flowers is one that is both a promise of nature's abundance and a poignant reminder of its temporary beauty. The arrangement captures the essence of a moment, engaging the viewer on an emotional level. How fascinating it is to see these symbols and their meanings shifting over time and reappearing across different cultures and contexts.