Parasolknop of parapluknop van geverfd hout; de knop is versierd met ingekerfde motieven c. 1920

Curator: Ah, look at this charming piece from around 1920 here at the Rijksmuseum. It's called "Parasolknop of parapluknop van geverfd hout," or "Parasol Knob of painted wood," a rather descriptive title, wouldn't you say? Editor: It's precious! Small and tactile, somehow both refined and quite folksy. I'm immediately drawn to the texture; I want to run my fingers along it. There's a wonderful visual balance between the smooth wood and the more decorated segments. Curator: Exactly! It's made of painted wood, adorned with these beautifully carved motifs. It just radiates the spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement, doesn't it? That embrace of craftsmanship, that turning away from mass production... Editor: Definitely. It screams “hand-made." And for me, seeing this object triggers a feeling of societal shift. The democratization of art production at that time, a moment when art moved into everyday life, but also a reflection of who was actually granted access and agency in crafting narratives and designing objects. Curator: Yes! It also brings to mind a sense of everyday elegance. A parasol wasn't just practical; it was an accessory, a statement. And to have the knob itself be a little work of art... lovely! You know, looking at it now, I wonder, does the geometric design also evoke, perhaps unintentionally, certain architectural patterns prevalent then? Editor: Interesting point. Perhaps that interweaving reflects broader socio-cultural themes, class structures even. Were these available to everyone, or were they just signs of the elite playing with folk craft? Who got to decide what's “art”? It always brings us back to power, doesn't it? Curator: Power and beauty. That interweaving of art, life, and the times...it's a dance. What a beautiful little snapshot this object offers. Editor: Exactly. This parasol knob isn't just an object; it's a portal to understanding a complex and nuanced history. Thank you for pointing that out to me.