Flask 1840 - 1860

This ceramic flask, crafted by Lyman, Fenton & Co., takes the form of a closed book. The spines, rendered with faux marbling, evoke the appearance of knowledge, wisdom, and perhaps even secrecy. The book as a symbol has journeyed through time. Initially, it represented sacred texts and exclusivity, as seen in illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. Over time, with the rise of the printing press, its symbolism shifted towards enlightenment and the democratization of knowledge, yet it retains an aura of mystery and concealed truths. Consider the subconscious appeal of such an object. The act of concealing a flask within the guise of a book touches upon our desire to hide or transform the mundane. It’s a playful deception, a nod to the human impulse to cloak our desires. The book form, a vessel of stories and knowledge, now houses a vessel for spirits, creating a compelling convergence of mind and body. The symbol resurfaces, now intertwined with notions of privacy and personal indulgence.