Pair of Cuffs c. 1925

These cuffs were made by Pashtun artists. They speak of the rhythmic quality of making and the beauty in repetition, a process that’s as much about the journey as it is the destination. The texture of the embroidery is so appealing, each stitch a testament to the time and care invested in the work. Imagine running your fingers over the surface and feeling the slight variations in the thread, the way the colors shift in different light. The palette is mostly red and purple, with small details in green. Look at the borders of the piece. Notice how each geometric shape and emblem is meticulously outlined, as if the artist is mapping out a secret language. These colors and forms could be referencing the work of Anni Albers, especially her screen prints and other textile pieces which also speak of a deep interest in the grid format and a refined, idiosyncratic palette. These cuffs present such a wonderfully ambiguous space for interpretation and association.