20th Century Neoclassical Bronzed Solid Brass Urn With Dolphin Handle Accents

Description

Here is a 20th century brass reproduction of a 19th century bronze piece. Made of solid brass and bronze finish, … more Here is a 20th century brass reproduction of a 19th century bronze piece. Made of solid brass and bronze finish, urn shape in form on a square base and open trumpet top. Traditional dolphins join opening to expansive width of the vessel, creating intrigue as well as function as handles.

Note both male and female sea creatures are represented in the figural forms, as evidenced in contrast of their eyes. The female eyes are open, while the male's are closed. Like humans, Dolphins breathe through their lungs and must return to surface periodically for air. Unlike humans, who fall into unconscious sleep, dolphins are uni-hemispheric sleepers (they rest only one side of the brain--and close one eye--at a time). This allows them to watch for predators and regulate oxygen needs during sleep. In their underwater environment, the female is the protector of the young. While the young are at particular susceptibility to predators, both mother and child stay awake--with both eyes open--alert to predators for the first month of the calf's life. It appears that through ancient art, we can surmise that ancient artisans were observant of these behaviors long before modern scientists were able to measure them.

The long history of dolphins in art underscores humanity's fascination with these intelligent creatures. Dolphins have appeared in ancient art as early as 1500 BC and subsequently appeared any where the Greeks had influence and were thought to grant safe passage to the afterlife in Greek and Roman Mythology. They are a talisman and sentinel when represented on seafaring vessels, or a good omen when spotted in the wake of watercraft.

Display this stately piece in a place of importance and allow it to invite the conversations certain to ensue due to its presence. less