Ontwerp voor een smalle vaas 1851 - 1930

This is Theo Colenbrander's ‘Design for a Narrow Vase’, delicately rendered in pencil. At first glance, it’s just a preliminary sketch. But considering Colenbrander’s career, it’s a window into the industrial design process of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Colenbrander transitioned from furniture and carpet design to ceramics later in his career. This drawing offers a glimpse into his method; not just envisioning the object, but figuring out its manufacturability. The pencil lines aren't just about aesthetics; they are a guide for artisans. The vase's shape, while elegant, implies careful construction, likely involving molds and multiple firings. The design isn't just a singular artistic statement, but an instruction manual for factory production. Ultimately, this simple drawing blurs the lines between art, craft, and industrial production. It asks us to consider the labor, skill, and social context embedded in even the most decorative of objects.