Kast after 1878

This print shows a piece of furniture, a kast, made of carved wood in nineteenth-century France. Look closely, and you'll notice the wood grain, and the way the surface catches the light. This emphasizes the inherent qualities of the material. The kast is elevated with decorative carvings and moldings that add depth and visual interest to the piece. It was made using hand tools and techniques passed down through generations of woodworkers. These traditions intersect with histories of creative practices and aesthetics, alongside craft and fine art. The amount of work involved in producing this kast indicates an investment in both labor and materials, reflecting wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Appreciating the materials, making, and context of this kast challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.