Tureen with cover in the form of a pigeon 1745 - 1765

Crafted by Paul Hannong, this ‘Tureen with cover in the form of a pigeon’ presents a compelling interplay between representation and function. Its form is immediately striking. The soft, muted purples and whites of the pigeon contrast with the green base, creating an object that is both naturalistic and stylized. The surface shows off the smooth, cool materiality of the glazed ceramic. Hannong's choice to render a tureen in the shape of a pigeon destabilizes traditional hierarchies between art and utilitarian object. The pigeon, traditionally a symbol of peace, is here re-purposed, its form becoming a vessel. Consider the structural elements: the body of the pigeon is bisected, with the upper half serving as a lid. This division challenges our perception, prompting us to consider the tension between wholeness and fragmentation. The tureen questions the fixed boundaries of art, design, and nature. It remains a testament to the fluidity of meaning inherent in art, inviting continuous interpretation.