Coal bucket, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 4) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small chromolithograph, printed by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company, features a golden coal bucket. The image is not merely a domestic object but a vessel, subtly echoing ancient forms like the cornucopia—a symbol of abundance and nourishment. The coal bucket, juxtaposed with the refined portrait of a woman, presents a curious tension. This everyday object is elevated, almost deified, with the woman appearing as if she were a deity within a sacred container. This recalls the vessels of ancient mythologies, such as the Holy Grail. The bucket becomes a symbol of transformation, hinting at the alchemical process of turning base materials into something precious, or the nurturing essence of womanhood. This conflation of the mundane with the sacred taps into deep-seated psychological associations. The cyclical nature of these symbols is evident, as the bucket, an object of warmth and sustenance, has resurfaced with new layers of meaning, reflecting societal values and subconscious desires.