Bandbox c. 1938

This bandbox, by Arsen Maralian, is made from pasteboard and decorated with stenciled pigments, a technique common in early 19th-century America. The box’s material – humble pasteboard – speaks to its original function as a utilitarian object, likely used for storing hats or clothing. Yet, the stenciled decoration elevates it beyond the purely functional. The scene of the Sandy Hook lighthouse, with its ships at sea, evokes the romance of maritime trade and travel. The use of stenciling, a relatively quick and repeatable process, suggests a mode of production that balanced artistry with efficiency. What’s interesting is the tension between the handcrafted stencil work and the burgeoning industrialization of the era. The box represents a moment when handcrafts were still valued, but were increasingly influenced by the demands of a growing market. Here, the maker's hand, guided by the precision of the stencil, brings to life an image of a world in motion.