Tafel met een ladenblok en onderblad c. 1915 - 1925

Piet Kramer made this table of wood with brass details sometime in the early 20th century. What makes this piece interesting is the tension between its simplicity and the considerable labor involved in its production. The table’s construction, though seemingly straightforward, demanded careful attention to detail. Each joint, each surface, speaks to the hand of the maker. The wood is carefully selected and finished and displays an understated elegance. The material itself lends a sense of warmth and authenticity. Kramer was committed to socialist ideals, and was interested in marrying quality craftsmanship with the rise of industrialization and mass production. This little table shows how those two things can come together. By appreciating the materials and making process, we can really understand what Kramer was trying to do: to elevate everyday objects through thoughtful design and skilled execution.