Bewaardoos voor een rol lint c. 1925

This tiny, hand-crafted box by Gustav Schnitzler, made of paper, was created to store a roll of ribbon. It’s so modest, so practical. The cardboard is discoloured, showing its age, and worn in places. It makes you consider the sheer amount of stuff that surrounds us today, and how differently we value objects in our throwaway culture. The maker of this obviously cared enough to create something to keep and protect the ribbon. Around the side, the edges are so perfectly scalloped; it’s hard to believe this was done by hand. The little imperfections only add to its charm, don't you think? It reminds me of the work of contemporary artists like Tom Friedman, who uses everyday materials to make work which is both simple and complex. Ultimately, this little box demonstrates how much expression is possible in something so humble and unassuming.