Servet met een bloempatroon c. 1900 - 1905

This white linen napkin, made by John Wilson's Successors, features a subtle floral pattern. The subdued elegance comes from the Jacquard weaving technique, where the design is integrated into the fabric, creating a play of light and shadow. Linen, historically associated with luxury and refinement, speaks to the social context of dining traditions. The intricate weaving requires specialized looms and skilled labor, hinting at the scale of production involved. Such textiles reflect a culture of consumption and the availability of goods within society. The floral pattern, though delicate, embodies the mechanization of design, balancing artistry with industry. By focusing on the material and its making, we see how this everyday object bridges craft and industrial production, challenging conventional art boundaries and revealing its cultural significance.