Étui 1730 - 1740

This delicate Étui from Vienna features intricate floral motifs against a backdrop of geometric patterns, all rendered in porcelain. Note the central placement of floral arrangements, symbols of fertility and renewal, set against a structured lattice. These floral arrangements remind me of similar compositions found in Roman frescoes and Renaissance tapestries, where flowers were used to evoke the abundance of nature. The vase, cradling these blooms, can be seen as a symbol of containment and preservation, a vessel holding life's essence. Think of the amphora in ancient Greek art, used both practically and symbolically to hold wine, oil, and even the ashes of the dead. Over time, the vase motif has evolved, taking on new symbolic weight, yet retaining its fundamental association with nurturing and preservation. The eye is drawn to the vibrant floral arrangements, perhaps tapping into our collective memory, stirring a sense of nostalgia and longing for a return to simpler times.