Slobkousen van zwart laken met vier zwarte knopen en een leren riem met metalen gesp c. 1900 - 1930

These Diamond Gaiters, made of black broadcloth with four black buttons and a leather strap with metal buckle, are housed in the Rijksmuseum. What’s so striking to me about these gaiters is how they elevate the everyday into the realm of art. Think about the work that goes into making something like this, the process of selecting the right materials, cutting the cloth, and carefully stitching it together. The texture of the broadcloth, the weight of the leather, the glint of the metal buckle – all these details come together to create something that is both functional and beautiful. Look at how the buttons are arranged, creating a subtle rhythm across the surface. It reminds me a little of the work of Ree Morton, who took humble materials like celastic and chicken wire and transformed them into something extraordinary. In both cases, there’s a real sense of playfulness and experimentation, a willingness to push the boundaries of what art can be. Art embraces ambiguity, and there is beauty in that.