Gesp 'Vleermuis' c. 1920

This belt buckle, ‘Vleermuis’ – bat in Dutch – was carved in wood by an anonymous maker. It's fascinating how a functional object can also be a space for such creative expression. I love the way the wings stretch out, filling the rectangular frame. The deep, dark stain gives it a mysterious, almost gothic feel, while the bright red eyes add a touch of playful humor. It’s as though the artist relished the act of carving, letting the shape of the bat emerge gradually. You can almost feel the pressure of the tool against the wood. The dark patina makes me think that it has been worn a lot! The bat is stylized and symmetrical, yet those little imperfections in the carving give it character. It makes me think of the work of Franz Kafka, particularly the way that ordinary people could have been so expressive and creative in the things that they made, bringing a bit of the uncanny into daily life.