Janus
(god of transitions)
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The Roman god Janus, for whom the month of January was named, was portrayed
with two faces. In earlier versions, one face would have a beard, and one
face would be clean shaven. Janus was the god of beginnings and endings, and
of doors and passages, and was often portrayed holding a key. One face looked
backward into the past and the other looked forward into the future. His powers
were invoked during important transitions in life such as marriage, births,
moving into a new home, etc. He was also called upon during less dramatic
beginnings and endings, such as the planting of the crops and the harvest.
Made from glazed red earthenware clay, the back of this limited edition piece
displays the artist's signature stamp and the LQP chop mark, 2 1/8" high.
