Schrijfboek met omslag van brokaatpapier 1760 - 1780

This writing book with a brocade paper cover was created by Marx Leonhard Kauffmann, using paper. Brocade paper like this was produced by applying colour to sheets with wood blocks, an elaborate process involving layers of impressions to build up the design. Notice how the materiality of the paper, along with the printing technique, dictates the aesthetic. The inherently flat, thin nature of paper supports the overall two-dimensionality of the design. The repeating patterns of flowers and architectural motifs create a dense surface, while the texture of the paper adds visual interest. The process of block printing would have been labor-intensive, requiring skill in carving the blocks and precision in applying the colors. The making of brocade paper can be seen as an early form of industrial production, blurring the lines between craft and mass manufacture, and speaks to the growing consumer culture of the period. Considering the materials and processes of this writing book offers us a deeper understanding of its cultural value, reminding us to look beyond the image and consider the labor and social context embedded within its creation.