Hobnail Sauce Dish 1887 - 1896

This striking hobnail sauce dish, made by Hobbs, Brockunier and Company, presents a fascinating example of how simple forms can carry significant cultural weight. The pattern that defines the dish is its rhythmic arrangement of raised knobs, or "hobs," which immediately evoke the tactile and visual sensation of clusters, perhaps berries or dew drops. Consider the motif of concentrated points, and how it extends through centuries. We see the same concept echoed in the studded decorations of ancient armor and in the textured surfaces of ritual objects from various cultures. These recurring patterns suggest a deep-seated human fascination with density and accumulation, perhaps reflecting subconscious desires for protection or abundance. The bright, almost visceral color further amplifies this effect, drawing the eye and engaging the viewer on an emotional level. Notice how the hobnail pattern invites touch, tempting us to reach out and explore its surface. The cyclical nature of design and the way seemingly simple forms can tap into profound aspects of our shared human experience are visible here.