Hi Ivo,
thanks for your input. I have, in the preface to my book, began an attempt to unravel the original symbolism behind the hand vase form, & I have looked into the Statue of Liberty as a possible inspiration. However, taking into account the more concise nature of the Glass Museum articles, I felt that it was necessary to narrow my focus to the different types of hand vases, & their respective manufacturers, rather than a full historical exploration of the origins of the form.
Nevertheless, I do not intend to neglect this side of my research, as it is both extremely interesting, & somewhat contentious.
Although the Statue of Liberty has become an icon, & in my words, "the world's biggest hand vase", I feel that the origins of the form go further back into the mists of time.
My one contention, & I may be splitting hairs, is that the S.O.L holds a torch, & in general, the overwhelming majority of hand vases hold a cornucopia of some sort. There is one known hand vase (possibly a toothpick holder of U.S origin) that is actually shaped like a hand holding a flaming torch, like the S.O.L does.
Certainly, there are Classical allusions obvious in the Statue, but I have also found other Classical goddesses who were associated with, & commonly depicted as, holding aloft a cornucopia, most notably the Greek goddess Almathea, who raised Zeus, the king of the gods. In gratitude, Zeus was said to have presented her with a goat's horn that gave the possessor whatever they wished for. In Roman mythology, the cornucopia was held by Annona, also known as Abundantia, who was the symbolic representation of the harvest & abundance. Fortuna, the goddess of luck, was also depicted holding a cornucopia.
As the cornucopia is a well-known symbol of abundance, it seems to be a very appropriate piece of symbolism for a flower vase. It suggests both the abundance of nature, & for the owner, a pleasing reference to classical mythology. Victoriana is awash with sentimental (if now slightly macabre) depictions of disembodied hands in jewellery, illustrations on cards, & of course, ornamental items in glass & porcelain.
In short, I do not discount the S.O.L's importance as an iconic hand symbol, but I do not believe it to be the sole progenitor of the design.
Topic: Hand vase article now on the Glass Museum (Read 2804 times)
