Container and vessels

This class of symbols is for objects that receive other things inside them, for storage, concealment, protection, ornamentation, or use. It includes boxes, tins, jars, bottles, cans, baskets, bowls, cups, vases, urns, flower-pots, pitchers, casks, barrels, pots, cauldrons, goblets, chalices, chests, wardrobes, closets, coffins, sarcophagi, mummy cases, reliquaries, pyxes, watch cases, pockets, drawers, pigeon-holes, packages, steamer trunks, bags, suitcases, luggage, sacks, covers, ships' holds, refrigerators, garbage cans and pails, ash trays, quivers, knapsacks, backpacks, kits, carrying cases, cigarette cases, wrappers, sleeping bags, tents, canopies, wallets, purses, hand bags, money bags, safety deposit boxes, mail and post office boxes, safes, vaults, crypts and tombs. Another kind of receptacle includes light bulb sockets, electrical outlets and telephone, headphone or microphone jacks. Receivers include any radio-type or telegraph-type devices and energy-storing batteries.

Some containers simply symbolize their contents, but passivity is the principle connotations that containers and receptacles of all types suggest. On a deeper level they may represent, a complementarity to the object with which they are associated. They often are what makes that object 'work'; i.e. become operative and dynamic, for example, as matter stands to form which impresses it and shapes it, and as body (formed matter) which, while holding energy, may be moved and vitalized by it.