Schotel 1750 - 1800

This ceramic plate was crafted by De 3 Klokken, showcasing cobalt-blue designs. Here, a central motif captures our attention: a bird perched amidst flourishing flora. Birds, across cultures, often symbolize the soul's journey, a messenger between realms, or even freedom itself. In ancient Greece, birds were associated with prophecy and divine communication. The arrangement of flora around the bird mirrors the 'hortus conclusus,' or enclosed garden, a medieval symbol for purity, paradise, and even the Virgin Mary. One sees its reflection in countless tapestries, paintings, and illuminated manuscripts. But here, the motif takes on a life of its own, reflecting a collective desire for refuge and tranquility. The symbolism is not static; it pulses with the ever-changing currents of human emotion and experience. Just as the bird takes flight, so too does the meaning, adapting and evolving across time.