Red paste paper book cover with curved line design 1700 - 1800

This anonymous 18th-century paste paper book cover from the Metropolitan Museum of Art features a repeating pattern of curved lines in a reddish-brown color. The "marbling" effect was achieved by applying a thin layer of paste to paper and then dragging a comb through the paste to create the intricate design. This type of decorative paper, known as "paste paper", was popular in the 1700s and 1800s and was often used for book covers, boxes, and other decorative objects. The use of repeated patterns and vibrant colors was typical of the time period and reflected the growing popularity of decorative arts.