Deksel van zandstrooier of inktpot c. 1778 - 1782

This is the lid of a sand caster or ink pot, made by Loosdrecht, probably in the 18th century. The object has a striking symmetry, its circular form divided into alternating panels of blue and sepia. The blue areas are delicately patterned and feature floral motifs, while the sepia panels depict scenes with figures and structures. The surface is smooth, and the design is intricate, yet it maintains a balanced interplay between decoration and utility. One cannot help but observe the object's materiality and how it functions as both a decorative piece and a practical tool. The artist employs a semiotic system, where each visual component—the colors, the scenes, the patterns—contributes to a broader narrative. These elements create a tension between the container's mundane function and its elevated artistic presentation. Consider the cultural codes embedded in the imagery and how the artist challenges our understanding of value and perception through this piece. It invites us to reflect on the fluid and ever-changing nature of art and its interpretation.