Trim c. 19th century

This is "Trim," an undated, anonymous artwork made of metallic thread. The material speaks of luxury, but the form is utterly humble. Made of densely woven and knotted gold-colored thread, this narrow band could have been used to ornament anything from clothing to furniture. Likely machine-made, this kind of textile trim became widely available as industrialization advanced, offering a taste of opulence to a growing consumer class. The repetitive, tight weave suggests a mechanized process, churning out yards of affordable adornment. Consider the labor embedded within this small object: the extraction of metal, the spinning of thread, the operation of looms, and the distribution networks that brought it to market. While the shimmering gold catches the eye, this trim also speaks volumes about the democratization of design through mass production. It reminds us that even the simplest of objects can reveal complex stories about society, labor, and the ever-blurring lines between art, craft, and industry.