The latest additions to our Elegance Series highlight the four elements of Nature.
Ancient philosophies commonly used a set of four archetypal elements to explain the patterns they observed in nature. For these cultures Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire made up the basic building blocks of the universe. Water as an element was seen as a great necessity, because without it nothing could live. Since only earth and water can bring forth a living soul, as an element it forms a vital building block for nature. Such was the greatness of this element that spiritual regeneration would not be considered to have been complete without it.
Thales of Miletus concluded that water was the beginning of all things and the first of all elements and most potent because of its mastery over the rest. Pliny said, "Water swallows up the earth, extinguishes the flame, ascends on high, and by stretching forth as clouds challenges the heavens for their own, and the same falling down, becomes the cause of all things that grow in the earth."
Rich blue enamel layered over the deep guilloche engraving on the barrel gives emphasis and depth to the fluid waves of the barrel design, representing both the power and grace of Water as an element.
The fluid engraving pattern is offset by the crisp pattern of lines and diamonds in dark blue enamel set into the gleaming sterling silver cap. |
