Changeable-color textile 1883 - 1900

This changeable-color textile was made by the Associated Artists in the United States between 1883 and 1907. It embodies the artistic principles of the Aesthetic Movement, which valued beauty and craftsmanship above all else. The shimmering effect comes from the silk material and the intentional combination of warp and weft threads of different colors, a conscious choice to create visual interest and depth. The Arts and Crafts movement, which coincided with the Aesthetic Movement, promoted a return to traditional techniques and the elevation of craft to the level of fine art. It was often tied to social reform. This textile challenges the hierarchy between art and craft. By examining exhibition records and design publications, we can learn more about the ways this kind of work helped redefine the roles of women as artists and designers within this movement.