Knop van zwart hoorn, eindigend in een hondenkop van beige hoorn c. 1900 - 1930

Curator: We're looking at an intriguing piece of decorative art, a knob made around 1900-1930. It's fashioned from contrasting black and beige horn, culminating in a dog's head. Editor: First thought? A dapper canine, no doubt used by a person with a playful seriousness. The juxtaposition of the dark horn with that bright dog head creates an eye-catching contrast, doesn’t it? I love the Art Nouveau vibe; there’s a naturalistic but streamlined flow to it. Curator: Precisely. Observe how the Art Nouveau aesthetic manifests in the smooth, curved handle. Semiotically, the dog motif is also significant. Editor: Right, dogs often symbolize loyalty, guidance, and companionship, perhaps reflecting the user’s desired qualities or even their own nature. The minimal carving of the ivory-colored head also speaks volumes. The artist wasn't aiming for hyper-realism, but something more emblematic. I also wonder if the color palette carries intentional weight; is the contrasting colors meant to mirror the internal dichotomy? Curator: A compelling interpretation. Analyzing the materiality, the choice of horn and possibly ivory would signify luxury, marking this as an item owned by someone of status and wealth. Editor: True. And in terms of tactile experience, one can only imagine how the coolness of the horn feels in the hand and the way the curvature sits perfectly within the user’s palm. Almost, as if it's the hand’s companion, a physical extension of its user’s very thoughts. Do you wonder about its former owner sometimes? Curator: Indeed, thinking about the hands that held this. It encourages reflections on time and history. Editor: It does that! All in all, an incredible mix of style and purpose, this dog-headed knob offers both comfort and symbolic depth. Curator: A seamless convergence of artistry and daily functionality. It has certainly prompted profound insights.