Covered Owl Jar 1880 - 1890

This covered owl jar was made by Atterbury and Company in the late 19th century. The dominant image of the owl has a rich symbolic history across cultures. In ancient Greece, the owl was associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, embodying knowledge and foresight. Yet, in other traditions, particularly in medieval Europe, the owl took on a darker persona, linked to witchcraft and ill omens. Observe how its nocturnal nature and piercing gaze have fueled these varying interpretations, imbuing the owl with an almost mystical quality. Throughout the ages, the owl has resurfaced as a symbol of both profound wisdom and impending doom, a testament to our complex relationship with the natural world and the enduring power of symbols to evoke deep-seated emotions and beliefs.