Pa. German Flat-iron Holder c. 1936

Milton Grubstein rendered this Pa. German Flat-iron Holder with graphite, capturing its intricate design. Notice the prominent use of the star motif. In Pennsylvania German folk art, the star is no mere decoration; it is a potent symbol, warding off evil and beckoning good fortune. This symbol echoes through time, resonating with ancient cosmological beliefs where stars guided and protected. The star's presence on an everyday item like a flat-iron holder connects the domestic sphere to larger, almost mystical, concepts of protection and well-being. Consider how the star differs across time and cultures, too: from ancient Mesopotamian depictions of divine figures to its modern usage on national flags. One cannot help but ponder how collective memory and subconscious desires for safety and order might contribute to the persistence and prevalence of such emblems. This piece evokes a sense of cultural continuity, inviting us to reflect on the psychological weight these symbols carry. They appear, disappear, and reappear across the epochs and cultures, adapting and readapting to our deepest fears and desires.