Knikkerzak van keperkatoen c. 1910

This is a bag made of twill cotton, a 'Knikkerzak van keperkatoen', probably hand-sewn. It's got a simple, functional feel, where the process is right there on the surface. Look at the material – it’s not precious, but it is purposeful. The cotton has a weight to it, a plainness that speaks to everyday use. There's a sense of touch and texture that comes through. The lace trim detail seems almost like a little wink, a suggestion of care and attention. The eye is drawn to the slight imperfection, the small stains, the way the twill catches the light. I'm reminded of the Arte Povera movement, elevating the mundane to something beautiful. The imperfections are embraced, the history of use is evident. Like art, the bag invites us to reconsider the beauty in simplicity, the value in the handmade, and the stories objects can tell.