Скачать или смотреть Max Rade for Fritz Heckert: Sphinx in azurcypern

Signed MR, this (1898) Max Rade-designed decor in 'azurcypern' is based on Otto Thamm's (1895) form 495/10-I, depicting a sphinx holding the pearl of wisdom among poppies. At the neck of the vase are a version of the Eye of Horus, representing well-being and protection. Typically, feminine forms of the Sphinx existed predominantly in Greek culture.

This same form and enameled decor was made in another glass 'ground-color', referred to as 'goldcypern'. Together, the two illustrate a 'daytime' and 'nighttime' version of the same image -- except for one detail: the dots that line the neck & foot of the vase. On the azurcypern "night" version, those dots are white, alluding to daylight; on the goldcypern "day" version, those dots are azure blue. In a sense, the vases refer to each other, and in such a way as to be in tune with one of the Sphinx's most famous riddles from mythology:

Q: "There are two sisters: one gives birth to the other and she, in turn, gives birth to the first. Who are the two sisters?"
A: "Day and Night."