{"id":2910,"date":"2023-07-05T15:25:47","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T14:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.courtauld.ac.uk\/illuminating-objects\/?page_id=2910"},"modified":"2023-07-21T21:38:23","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T20:38:23","slug":"a-word-puzzle","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.courtauld.ac.uk\/illuminating-objects\/illuminating-objects-home\/cryptic-vessel\/a-word-puzzle\/","title":{"rendered":"A word puzzle"},"content":{"rendered":"

On the front, the scripted scroll twists and twirls, intertwining with branches<\/span>.<\/span> The scroll here almost seems to be literally<\/span> scrolling<\/span><\/i>, with only some letters visible; the presence of others<\/span>,<\/span> hidden behind branches or in folds, is implied<\/span>. <\/span>The design makes it difficult to tell whether the entire message is shown in this inscription, and further damage to the surface makes it even harder to decipher the fragmented words.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Close-up images of the pharmacy jar (front). Photo \u00a9 The Courtauld.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The<\/span> puzzle-like quality of the message inspired our design for its display in the gallery. Black letters were taken from the jar’s surface and released into the interior of the case. By allowing them to float within the confines of the case, we form a parallel with the readings of the inscription held in suspension. Visitors are invited to walk around the display and imagine the multiplicity of readings of these letters<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n