Wit linnen damasten servet met in het midden het embleem van de Koninklijke Beetwortelzaadcultuur Kuhn & Co 1888 - 1945

This linen damask napkin, designed by Chris Lebeau, features the emblem of the Koninklijke Beetwortelzaadcultuur Kuhn & Co right there in the center. The pale palette feels almost ghostly. What I love about this piece is the way Lebeau embraces the inherent qualities of the material. It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is: a functional object elevated to an art form through careful design and execution. Look at the way the light catches the raised pattern, creating subtle shifts in tone and texture. The emblem itself is a fascinating combination of natural and stylized elements. You’ve got this very earthy, organic beetroot juxtaposed with these almost heraldic figures, and the whole thing is framed by this delicate, repeating border. It reminds me a little of the work of William Morris, who was also interested in blurring the boundaries between art and craft. But Lebeau brings his own unique sensibility to the table. Ultimately, this napkin is a testament to the power of art to transform the everyday into something beautiful and meaningful.