Pillow border c. 19th century

This pillow border, now at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, was made by an anonymous maker using white cotton fabric, embellished with drawn and resist-dyed designs in red. What immediately strikes you is the handmade character of the piece. Look closely and you can see the subtle irregularities in the repeating floral motifs. This wasn't churned out in a factory; it's the result of someone's patient labor. The process involved is a type of mordant-dyeing, where the red pigment is only absorbed in specific areas. The effect is both decorative and quietly powerful. It speaks to a time when everyday objects were imbued with artistry, and making was a central part of daily life. The use of cotton also speaks volumes. Once a precious commodity, its transformation into an accessible fabric had enormous impact on global trade and colonial dynamics. This border, in its own small way, embodies that complex history. It reminds us of the artistry of craft and its social implications.