Painting by Anna Shkinder

The urn with its acanthus collar is one of the most aristocratic forms of 18th century European ceramics. Acanthus — a plant that in ancient Greek tradition symbolises immortality. It was carved on tombstones and temples as a sign that life continues. The form of the vessel is itself a symbol: ending and beginning in one silhouette. Wisteria is a flower that returns every year and grows only more abundant with time. In Japanese tradition it represents endurance and gentle strength — a vine that lives for centuries and does not weaken. In the language of flowers — love that does not pass, and a poetic soul. The acanthus decoration around the vessel's neck resembles the feathers of a phoenix — the bird that burns and is reborn from its ashes. Not despite the ending — because of it. The best always comes after. A soul that has been through darkness blooms differently — deeper, brighter, stronger than before. Like wisteria that returns each year and grows more beautiful every time.