Ontwerp voor zout- en pepervaten Possibly 1913

This is Mathieu Lauweriks' "Ontwerp voor zout- en pepervaten," or design for salt and pepper shakers, an undated work rendered on graph paper. Note how the precise grid underpins the organic forms of the containers, a visual tension that immediately captures the eye. Lauweriks, deeply involved with theosophy and geometric systems, uses the grid not merely as a tool, but as a foundational structure mirroring the underlying order he perceived in the universe. The spiral form of the larger container, bisected by geometric lines, is not arbitrary; it reflects principles of growth and proportion found in nature, principles that fascinated artists and thinkers of the era. These shapes suggest a semiotic system where geometric forms act as signs, pointing towards a deeper, more spiritual understanding of design. Consider how Lauweriks’ design challenges conventional notions of ornament, integrating form and function through a structured, almost mathematical approach. The design invites us to consider how even the most utilitarian objects can be imbued with meaning, reflecting the profound connections between art, science, and spirituality.