Handvat van zwart hoorn, gebogen, eindigend als afgeknotte tak c. 1900 - 1930

This is a handle by Gelria, made of black horn. Its smooth, curved form invites the hand, a tactile promise enhanced by the deep, polished black that shifts with the light. The curve, a near right angle, creates a dialogue between utility and form. Notice how the horn’s natural striations disrupt the smooth surface, hinting at the material’s organic origin. It challenges the sleekness of modern design with a touch of the unpredictable. The handle can be seen as a play on structure and semiotics. Its function is obvious: a grip. But the choice of material and the subtle shaping elevate it beyond mere utility. It becomes a statement, an object that engages with our sense of touch, balance, and even our understanding of nature versus artifice. The handle may evoke a sense of nostalgia, while maintaining a very modern sensibility in its simplicity and starkness.