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The Hunter's Dream | Unicorn in Captivity Classical Art Mug – The Midnight Series

$24.00 CAD

Sale Sold out

Size 11oz 15oz

The Curator’s Note

The Unicorn Tapestries are among the most intricate works of the Middle Ages, but this particular scene, The Unicorn Rests in a Garden, has a hidden meaning. Although the unicorn looks tied up, the chain is loose, and the fence is low enough for him to escape. His confinement seems joyful. I picked this piece for the Midnight Series because it shows the 'Sacred Quiet' of a heart at peace. If you look closely at the red on his side, you’ll see it isn’t blood from a hunt. Instead, it’s the juice of ripe pomegranates dripping from the trees above, a medieval symbol of fertility and life. This scene offers a glimpse of a dreamlike world where the 'captive' is exactly where he wants to be.

Provenance: This design features high-resolution imagery sourced from the Met Open Access Archive, digitally restored to preserve the atmospheric depth and mastery of the original archival works.

The Details

Mastery: The Weaver's Alchemy lies in the "material illusion" created by the South Netherlandish weavers. By blending fine wool and silk with silver and gilded threads, they managed to capture the iridescent sheen of the unicorn's coat against a dense, shadowed botanical background. On this vessel, we have preserved that textural depth, allowing you to appreciate the rhythmic "thousand flowers" composition that once required years of meticulous hand-looming.
Artist: Unknown Master Weavers (South Netherlandish, c. 1495–1505)
The Original: The Unicorn in Captivity, from The Hunt of the Unicorn series. One of the most beloved and complex works of art from the late Middle Ages, celebrated for its rich symbolism of love, purity, and transformation.
The Vessel: 11oz or 15oz premium ceramic. The midnight-black finish of the mug serves as a stark, elegant frame that pulls the vibrant greens and floral details of the tapestry into sharp, luminous focus.

Preserving the Masterpiece

To ensure the intricate floral details and the legendary silhouette of the Unicorn remain as vivid as the original threads, we recommend the following care:

The Tender Touch: While our ceramic is premium and durable, we recommend hand-washing with a soft sponge and mild soap to protect the archival-quality print and the depth of the midnight tones.
The Modern Ease: Your mug is dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended) and microwave-safe, fitting seamlessly into your modern rituals.
Temperature & Grace: Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemical cleaners, which may dull the "Sacred Mystery" of the tapestry’s finish over time.
Clean in dishwasher (put the product on top rack), or wash by hand with warm water and dish soap