Dish 1700 - 1710

This earthenware dish was made by John Wright in the 17th century, adorned with stylized floral motifs. Observe how the central fleur-de-lis extends its arms, cradling what seems to be stylized tulips. These symbols, echoing across centuries and cultures, carry rich histories. The fleur-de-lis, once a symbol of French royalty, finds its roots in ancient heraldry, evolving from the Egyptian lotus flower, representing purity and enlightenment. Similarly, the tulip, originating in Persia, became a symbol of wealth and status during the Dutch Golden Age. Notice how Wright's interpretation transforms these symbols. In this more humble domestic object, the artist's hand seems to echo the collective unconscious, hinting at both earthly beauty and elevated status. Like palimpsests of the human spirit, these shapes continue to reappear, reinvented by each generation. Each time they resurface, they carry with them echoes of past meanings, overlaid with new, contemporary significance.