Schouderstrik van oranje moiré-lint met franje van gouddraad met speld aan de achterzijde before 1898

This shoulder sash, of orange moiré ribbon with gold thread fringe, was likely made in the Dutch provinces by an anonymous maker. The moiré effect, that wavy, shimmering pattern on the silk, is achieved by pressing two layers of ribbed fabric together under high pressure. The subtle variations in the weave create an almost wood-grain appearance, lending depth and dynamism to the ribbon. A labor-intensive process, moiré was highly prized for its visual interest and association with luxury. The gold thread fringe is also a testament to skilled handwork. Creating metal threads would involve drawing out precious metals into very fine strands, and then wrapping them around a core thread. Objects like this invite us to consider the social context of craft. Such textiles, with their inherent preciousness, were powerful symbols of status and political allegiance. We must look to the materials and the making to fully understand its significance.