Saucer from a tea service for twelve 1807 - 1808

This porcelain saucer, part of a tea service by Christophe-Ferdinand Caron, is adorned with a central image of a bird in flight. The surrounding rim is decorated with stylized pinecones. The pinecone, a symbol of fertility and immortality, has ancient roots, appearing in Roman and Egyptian art. Its presence here, on an object of domesticity, infuses the everyday with aspirations of prosperity and continuity. The bird, often a symbol of the soul or freedom, adds another layer, suggesting lightness, movement, and perhaps spiritual aspiration. Consider how such symbols persist. The pinecone, once a potent emblem in ancient rituals, now graces a teacup, its power softened but not erased. Similarly, the image of a bird in flight has evolved through centuries of artistic representation, symbolizing hope, freedom, and transcendence across diverse cultures. These enduring motifs tap into our collective unconscious. They evoke emotions and associations that resonate beyond their immediate context, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols and their continued relevance across time.