Handwoven Couch Upholstery c. 20th century

This handwoven couch upholstery was produced by the Cranbrook Art Museum, but it has no known date. Cranbrook was a unique space that fostered a community of artists and designers who explored craft as a means of artistic expression. The textile's purple and blue hues speak to the artistic sensibilities of the time, moving away from more traditional patterns in favor of bold colors and textures. The work's intended use as upholstery invites us to consider the intersection of art and everyday life. It challenges traditional hierarchies between art and craft. Consider the hands that carefully interlaced each thread, and the person who might have sat upon it. Its intimate scale invites us to reflect on the way that textiles can embody both personal and cultural histories. The work functions as a bridge between the practical and the aesthetic, subtly shaping our environment and our experiences.