Bag c. 19th century

This charming little bag was made by an anonymous maker, and it demonstrates great skill. It is finely knitted with wool, using different colors to create a striking pattern of stylized plants. The tight, consistent stitches speak to the time and care taken in its making. Knitting is a slow, deliberate process, each loop building on the last. The choice of wool also gives the bag a soft, tactile quality, inviting touch. The process and material imbue the bag with a sense of warmth and familiarity. Although we don't know who made this bag, we can imagine the maker carefully selecting the colors, planning the design, and patiently working each stitch, perhaps by the fireside after a long day. It’s a testament to the enduring power of craft, and the beauty that can be created through simple materials and skillful hands. It collapses any assumed hierarchy between art and craft.