Galon, goudkleurig, waaraan pompons van bruin (zijde)draad hangen c. 1925

Editor: Here we have a gold-colored galon with brown silk thread pompoms, dating back to around 1925. It reminds me of a delicate garland, but I'm curious, what significance does it hold beyond its aesthetic appeal? Curator: Its beauty stems directly from its materiality and production. Think about the silk thread: someone cultivated that, processed it, dyed it, and painstakingly created those tiny pompoms. And that gilt galon? It speaks to processes of applying precious metals, layering materials to achieve visual impact. Editor: So, it's less about what it *represents* and more about *how* it was made and what went into it? Curator: Precisely. During the Art Deco period, there was a blurring between high art and craft, partly due to social shifts. These materials were part of trade routes, class distinctions, and global resources that determined accessibility. The level of craft that this piece demanded was both incredibly skilled labor and likely the output of a wealthy benefactor looking for luxury decor. Editor: That puts a different spin on things. I was seeing it as simply decorative, but now I realize I should consider the hands that made it and the economy that supported that kind of artisanship. Curator: Indeed. What can the material choices tell us about access and economic power during the 1920s? Editor: It’s like each knot and strand tells a story about consumption and production. Curator: Absolutely. It's not just a pretty garland; it’s a tactile artifact of its time. Considering labor and trade, we now perceive the art very differently. Editor: I will never look at a decorative piece the same way! Thanks.