Teapot with Cover 1790 - 1800

This teapot, crafted by an anonymous Chinese artist, bears an intriguing emblem that marries East and West. Flanking a crowned cartouche, we see figures reminiscent of classical allegories. One figure, with caduceus in hand, evokes Hermes, while the other carries what might be a flowering rod. Consider the caduceus. In antiquity, it was not merely a symbol of commerce, but of balance, reconciliation, and even healing, linked to Hermes's role as a guide between worlds. Observe how its image has been repeatedly embraced in diverse contexts, such as medicine. Here, it is painted with a great sensitivity to the psychological weight of collective memory. In effect, this emblem encapsulates the aspiration for harmony and equilibrium, a universal theme echoed across cultures and epochs. Each figure, each symbol, is an invitation to consider how cultural motifs transcend boundaries. The recurring motif of the caduceus and the balances is a testament to its enduring psychological weight, a force that resonates across time.