Napkin Depicting The Five Senses 1891

Walter Crane's "Napkin Depicting The Five Senses" is a 1891 example of embossed linen napkin design, which is a type of textile art that utilizes raised patterns on fabric. This napkin, now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, features a delicate, almost lace-like, pattern that is symmetrical and repetitive. While not immediately apparent, a closer look reveals figures representing the five senses, a popular theme of the time. Crane, a prominent British artist and designer, was particularly well known for his use of decorative motifs and intricate designs, which he integrated into his work across a range of media.