Servet met een bloempatroon c. 1900 - 1905

This napkin with a floral pattern was created by John Wilson's Successors Ltd., using what looks like a weaving process. It's got this all-over pattern, a field of swans, flowers, and other naturalistic motifs. What strikes me about this piece is the texture, the way the light catches on the raised parts of the design, almost like a drawing in thread. Look closely, and you see how the artist has used a limited palette – whites on white – to create a surprising amount of depth. It’s like a quiet conversation, a whisper of form. The folds in the fabric create shadows that dance and shift, giving the piece a life of its own. You know, it reminds me of Agnes Martin's subtle grid paintings, where the repetition of lines creates a meditative space. This napkin isn't just functional; it's a quiet celebration of the everyday.