Border c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have "Border," by an anonymous artist, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It has a handcrafted feel; what can you tell us about this piece? Curator: Looking at the labor involved, consider the repetitive process of creating this design. Was it a singular artisan or a collective effort? Examining the material—the ink and paper—how does its accessibility or cost influence its creation and potential use? Editor: That's fascinating! I had not considered the labor aspect. Curator: And what societal function did it serve? How was it consumed, and by whom? Was this a luxury item, or something more widely accessible? Reflecting on these aspects gives us a fuller understanding. Editor: Thank you. It's really interesting to think about it in these terms.