Book cover with overall pattern of blue and red squares 1800 - 1900

This anonymous book cover at the Met features an overall pattern of blue and red squares. The image’s reliance on pattern evokes the non-Western origins of bookbinding. The grid pattern on the cover creates meaning through its cultural references and historical associations. Although book covers are made to protect what’s inside, they also are status objects that often present a first impression of the contents. The regularity of the grid evokes the stability of an institution: perhaps the contents of this book are meant to reinforce social norms, religious doctrine, or existing political structures. Understanding the social conditions that shaped the book’s production means we need to start by identifying the origin of the book, its approximate date, and something about the culture of its owner. To understand this artwork better, we could do further research on non-western book binding traditions and look for any clues about the book's contents.