Thaise ridderorde (Orde van de Witte Olifant), ontvangen door Willem Drees before 1959

This Thai Knight's Order of the White Elephant, received by Willem Drees, is an anonymous creation that speaks volumes, despite its unknown maker. The crafting feels meticulous, the kind of process where each tiny component is considered, almost meditated upon. I’m drawn to the tactile quality of the materials - the sheen of the metal, the plushness of the velvet box, and the smooth surface of the ribbon, all hinting at a deeply intentional, and careful approach. Take a look at the way the central emblem featuring the white elephant is set, surrounded by radiating points, like a sunburst. It’s a small detail, but it carries the weight of symbolism and craftsmanship. The composition, with its mix of radial symmetry and linear elements, reminds me a bit of Hilma af Klint’s early diagrams, where the symbolic meets the decorative. It’s a reminder that art, in all its forms, is a constant conversation across cultures and time. In the end, it’s the feeling that matters most, that sense of wonder and connection that lingers long after you’ve moved on.