Doosje bij penning A.W.L. Tjarda van Starkenborgh Stachouwer 1986

This box, made by Zilverfabriek W. van Veluw B.V., likely houses a commemorative medal for A.W.L. Tjarda van Starkenborgh Stachouwer. It's a molded plastic case, probably mass-produced in an industrial setting. Plastic's appeal lies in its ability to mimic other materials, like leather in this case, and in its affordability. The texture embossed onto the box gives it a tactile quality, suggesting luxury while being economical. The sharp edges and clean lines are typical of injection molding, where molten plastic is forced into a mold cavity. The box protects its contents, but it also speaks volumes about the values of mass production and consumption. It underscores the shift from handcrafted goods to standardized, machine-made items, reflecting broader changes in labor and industrial manufacturing. By considering the box, its materials, and production, we gain insight into the cultural and economic landscape that produced it, and ultimately challenge traditional distinctions between craft and design.