Bowl 18th-19th century

This clear glass bowl of unknown origin is embellished with recurring motifs. Notice the carved lines that fan out like sun rays from the center of the bowl, and the diamond-like pattern encircling the top. These patterns are not unique to this modest piece of glasswork; we find them echoing through time, and across cultures. The rayed motif, for example, reminds us of the sunbursts seen in ancient Egyptian art, symbolizing life, energy, and divinity. This design element, which can be traced back to ancient cultures, reappears throughout history, modified to fit new eras and cultural contexts. These motifs resonate with our collective memory, tapping into psychological archetypes deeply rooted in the human experience. As you turn the bowl in your hands, consider how the simple, yet profound symbols of light and clarity have traversed millennia, continuously renewed in their capacity to engage us on a subconscious level.