Staal met bedrukte zijde, dessin Chi-ki 1920 - 1921

The "Staal met bedrukte zijde, dessin Chi-ki" was produced by the Wiener Werkstätte between 1903 and 1932. Executed with precision, the work displays a composition that merges organic forms with geometric abstraction, typical of early 20th-century design. The symmetrical layout and stylized botanical motifs evoke a sense of order. The interplay of colours—the cool blues against the warm yellows and oranges—creates a visual tension. The composition, enclosed within a defined border, brings to mind structuralist ideas about boundaries and categorization. The Werkstätte's design challenges traditional hierarchies of art and craft, blending fine art principles with functional design. The dots in the background add texture and depth, enhancing the overall visual complexity. This piece reflects the Werkstätte’s broader interest in synthesizing art with everyday life, redefining aesthetic boundaries and creating a dialogue between form and function. The design, although decorative, invites us to consider how art can destabilize conventional meanings.