Stoel van padoekhout, versierd met ingegrifte patronen en ingelegd met een tropische houtsoort 1899

This chair of padouk wood, inlaid with tropical wood and crafted by Theo Nieuwenhuis, presents a fascinating convergence of form and symbol. The geometric patterns, primarily diamonds, speak to a universal human impulse to impose order and meaning on the world. The diamond motif, seen here, echoes across cultures and ages. From ancient textiles to modern design, it represents a multitude of ideas: wealth, status, connection, or a gateway to another realm. One cannot help but recall the lozenge patterns found in Neolithic art, evoking a sense of primal, protective energy. How curious it is that these shapes continue to resonate, tapping into some collective, subconscious memory! Neuwenhuis channels an emotional connection, a deep-seated recognition of symbols that have been with us since the dawn of consciousness. Like an ancient code, the arrangement on the chair creates a link between the functional object and our collective cultural psyche. This wooden chair, therefore, is more than a place to sit; it is a vessel of enduring symbols.