Rug or Floor Pillow c. 20th century

This anonymous "Rug or Floor Pillow" is an invitation to consider art as a tactile, lived experience. The rug's surface is a field of woolen tufts, a landscape of soft peaks and valleys. Small dark markings scattered irregularly across the material create shadows which give texture to the piece. The process is evident; you can imagine the maker's hands knotting each strand, a meditative act of creation. The texture is almost palpable, inviting touch, while the colour palette is both muted and grounding. The irregularities and imperfections become part of its charm, resonating with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which embraces the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. This rug reminds me of the work of Sheila Hicks, whose textile sculptures explore similar themes of texture and materiality. This rug is more than just a functional object; it's a testament to the beauty of craft and the power of art to transform the everyday.