Strook kloskant met blaadjesrand c. 1920s

This handmade bobbin lace with a leafy border, by M. Schutten-Putters, feels like a study in rhythm and repetition, doesn't it? The way the artist has approached the making of this lace seems to be rooted in a deep understanding of process, each knot and stitch a deliberate mark. There's a beautiful, almost ghostly quality to the texture of this work. Look closely, and you can see the delicate interplay between the solid, woven areas and the airy, open spaces. The colour, or lack thereof, contributes to this ethereal feeling, the pale thread creating a surface that's both fragile and resilient. It's amazing how much depth and complexity can be achieved with just a single thread! I can't help but think of the meticulous detail in Hilma af Klint's botanical drawings, though I doubt she's a direct reference. This bobbin lace evokes a similar sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world. It’s this ongoing conversation across time that makes art so exciting!