Basin 1794 - 1837

This basin, crafted by Samuel Green, presents a simple yet profound form. The circle, an ancient symbol, dominates the piece. It speaks to cycles of life, wholeness, and the infinite, resonating across cultures from the Ouroboros of ancient Egypt to mandalas in Buddhist traditions. The basin, like a mirror, reflects our own faces, inviting contemplation. Water held within these forms throughout history transcends mere utility. Think of baptismal fonts or ritual cleansing vessels. In the Renaissance, basins often appeared in depictions of Pontius Pilate washing his hands, symbolizing purification, but perhaps also a disavowal of responsibility. Consider the emotional weight of containment. The basin evokes a sense of holding, protecting, and nurturing. The subconscious yearning for security and the embrace of the maternal. The humble basin becomes a vessel not just for water but also for our deepest emotions and communal memories. The symbol of a circle within a circle, an echo through time.