A multi-coloured Indo-Portuguese design of the 18th Century, although its various component features date from a much earlier period and all of them have symbolic significance. The birds have a symbolic significance, they are the mediators between Heaven and Earth and in early Christian art they signified saved souls. The elegantly decorated urn, a container for oils and perfumes, signifies Mary Magdalene,
one of
the most popular of Christian saints and consequently much depicted in Christian
art. Amongst the many flowers in the design it is possible to distinguish the Blue Iris,
a floral symbol of the Virgin Mary and the Thistle, a symbol of the Passion of Jesus
Christ and the sufferings of the Christian martyrs. Finally, the grapevine symbolises abundant life and the grapes, the Eucharist.
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