Pair of gloves with scalloped broder c. 1920 - 1925

These gloves, crafted by Maison de Bonneterie, present a striking combination of elegance and subtle symbolism. Note the scalloped border, a motif that echoes the waves of the sea, often associated with the ebb and flow of life, the subconscious, and the feminine divine. The gloves themselves, as coverings for the hands, speak to protection and concealment, perhaps a desire to shield oneself from the world, or to guard secrets. The scallop shell as a symbol has traveled through time. We see it adorning the goddess Venus in Botticelli's famous painting, symbolizing love and beauty. Earlier, pilgrims wore the scallop symbol on their journey to Santiago de Compostela, signifying their devotion and transformation. Consider the subtle tension between exposure and concealment embodied by these gloves. They are a reminder of our complex relationship with the world, seeking both connection and protection. The repetition of the scalloped pattern may reflect the cyclical nature of human experience, where we constantly navigate the tides of emotion, seeking balance and harmony.