Pillowcase with a Pleated Flounce c. 1932

This pillowcase with a pleated flounce was made by M. Stevens and it's just so understated and serene. It has an almost Agnes Martin vibe to it. The texture is so key here, isn't it? You've got the smooth, flat expanse of the main fabric, and then this incredible, rhythmic pleating along the edges. It’s like a visual song, a quiet repetition that creates a subtle energy. Then there's the embroidery – delicate, almost ghostly vines and leaves tracing a pattern that feels both intentional and free. Look closely at how the light catches those pleats. Each fold creates a tiny shadow, giving the whole thing a sense of depth and movement. It’s not just a pillowcase; it’s a study in light, shadow, and texture. The whole thing has this really quiet, meditative feel. It reminds me of the work of Ree Morton, actually, this idea of elevating the everyday through a kind of gentle, obsessive attention to detail. It’s like Stevens is saying, "Even the simplest things can be beautiful, if you take the time to really see them."