Pair of Vases c. 1870

Here is a pair of vases created by Christopher Dresser, held at the Art Institute of Chicago. Note the striking floral motifs set against a vibrant blue background, echoing ancient traditions where flowers were never merely decorative. Pink and white blossoms sprawl across the surface, each a carefully chosen symbol. Think of Botticelli's *Primavera*, where each flower whispers a secret about love, fertility, or renewal. Consider the Greek key pattern on the vase's base. This motif, a continuous line bent into a series of repeated right angles, journeys across time from ancient Greek architecture to modern design. It is not just a pattern but an echo of labyrinthine paths—metaphors for life's complex journey. The use of flowers triggers within us a primeval connection to nature’s beauty and fragility, tapping into our collective memories. These forms possess an enduring power, resurfacing and evolving, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols throughout history.