Topic: Symbolic motif on glass - what could it be?

[Glen]

Does anyone have any idea what the motifs on this butterdish by Brockwitz could be?
http://www.geocities.com/carni_glass_uk_2000/StippledClover.html

The pattern name was given by collectors recently, so it has no bearing on what the unusual motif actually is, or represents.

Glen

[Sue C]

Styalized Shammrock ?

[Sklounion]

Hi Glen it may be as simple as it looks, though probably not.....
One large cross two small ones set on a curved line, makes me think of the Calvary, Christ and the two criminals.... on a stylised hill. Could this indicate a particular use for the item at Easter, possible, as you suggest that this was a sole item in this pattern?
Regards,
Marcus

[Leni]

I'd agree with Marcus.  It definitely looks a bit like a German cross (Iron Cross or Cross Pattee). 

[Glen]

Thanks, folks. I really appreciate your input. It does look like a shamrock motif but it certainly also does look like the crosses in the Calvary. I had felt that it was three crosses, but I didn't want to influence anyone's thoughts.

I'm really grateful to you all for your help. THANK YOU.

Glen

[Sklounion]

Hi Glen,
A cross which runs down to a point such as these here, is known as a cross flitchy, and a symbol known to have been used by the order of Teutonic Knights.
Regards,
Marcus

[Frank]

Well found Marcus that had been troubling me. Also known as Cross Patteé (French paw), French as croix pattée alésée arrondie and in German as Tatzenkreuz.

However the stem in this version is straight making it not a standard form, looking through http://www.symbols.com/ was fruitless. Not being a standard form suggests to me that Marcus first suggestion remains the likeliest. Perhaps the designer was a freemason and influenced by their use of this style of cross making it stylised.

Another possibility is that it was made for the ecclesiastical market and thus not appearing in standard catalogues.

[Glen]

Many thanks, Marcus and Frank. Fascinating information on so many levels.

I'm inclined to think that the Calvary suggestion is the most likely. I looked at the cross fitchy and see that the bottom end should be pointed (as in a sword). The ones on the butter dish are blunt. One further thing intrigues me - there are some obvious religious items in the Brockwitz catalogue where this butter dish appears: two candlesticks in the form of Christ and Maria for example. So Brockwitz weren't averse to portraying religious themes realistically.

I have another cross form on a piece of Carnival which I've been hunting for to show you. It must be in a box somewhere. I'll find a pic and post later.

Thanks again.

Glen