Red paste paper with wavy line design 1700 - 1800

This anonymous 18th-century piece of red paste paper features a repeating pattern of wavy lines and swirling, almost organic shapes. The intricate design, reminiscent of marbling techniques, showcases the versatility and beauty of this decorative material. While the artist remains unknown, the paper likely served a practical purpose, perhaps as a lining for books or boxes. This particular piece is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The use of red paste paper, a decorative technique involving the application of pigments to a thin sheet of paper, was common in the 17th and 18th centuries, highlighting the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of the period.