Tray 1925 - 1933

Curator: Before us we have a tray, designed by Karl Hagenauer. Its dimensions are 41.28 by 13.34 centimeters, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s understated, almost utilitarian. The surface texture and handle details give it a handmade feel, despite its sleek design. Curator: Absolutely. Hagenauer's designs often bridged the gap between craft production and mass manufacture, reflecting the tensions of early 20th century consumer culture. Editor: I see that tension reflected in the object’s very presence. Is it a functional item meant for everyday use, or an art object meant for display and admiration? Who was this tray designed for, and what social rituals surrounded its use? Curator: Those are crucial questions. Hagenauer’s work often served a middle-class clientele eager to embrace modern design while still valuing handmade qualities. The tray becomes a symbol of aspirational living. Editor: It makes me consider how objects shape our identities, reflecting our desires and social positions within a capitalist structure. Curator: Precisely! The very act of producing and consuming items like these actively shape the consumer experience. Editor: A deceptively simple object, laden with complex meanings. Curator: Indeed; it’s a reminder of the intricate relationships between design, production, and the societies they serve.