Wooden Chest c. 1938

This "Wooden Chest" rendering by Emile Cero reveals a sensitivity to material and making. Look closely, and you can see it is carefully crafted from wood, showcasing the inherent qualities of the material. The choice of wood brings warmth and organic texture, which Cero emphasizes through the visible grain. The chest appears constructed with joinery, evidenced by the exposed tenons, reflecting a time-honored woodworking tradition. The design is relatively simple, yet functional. This aesthetic is related to the Arts and Crafts movement, which valued honest construction over excessive ornamentation. It’s interesting to consider this chest in relation to labor and class. Furniture like this would require the hand skills of a trained artisan, offering a form of creative labor that resisted the alienation of factory production. By attending to the details of making, we recognize the connection between craft, design, and the wider social context.