Toilet box with key 1738 - 1750

This toilet box with key was crafted in the 18th century by Friedrich Schwestermüller II out of silver. Its surface is a riot of swirling acanthus leaves and floral patterns. These motifs are not merely decorative; they echo classical antiquity, evoking notions of prosperity and renewal. The acanthus leaf, prominent in Greek and Roman art, symbolizes immortality, adorning temples and public buildings. But why does it adorn a toilet box? Consider how these ancient symbols are reborn in new contexts. Perhaps the box's owner saw a link between personal grooming and spiritual rebirth. The key itself also holds significance; in the Roman world, it was associated with Janus, the god of doorways and beginnings, suggesting that opening the box is not merely a physical act but a symbolic one. The key represents how an object of daily use can become imbued with layers of meaning, tapping into our collective memory and subconscious desires.