Porringer with cover (Écuelle) 1732 - 1738

This porcelain porringer with cover, made by Chantilly, presents a delightful scene of children at play, rendered in a style that merges European and Asian aesthetics. Note the snail adorning the lid. In many cultures, the snail is a symbol of patience, persistence, and the cyclical nature of life, and of course, the slow passage of time. This motif is often seen in vanitas paintings as a reminder of the transience of earthly pleasures, inviting contemplation on life's fleeting moments. The playful depiction of childhood innocence overlaid with this symbol of time lends the image a melancholic air, and speaks to the cyclical passage from carefree youth to mature adulthood. The image touches on the subconscious anxieties tied to time and mortality, subtly urging viewers to consider the deeper currents beneath the surface.