Knoop van goud en lichtgroen email, met een robijn c. 1908 - 1911

These decorative buttons were crafted by Lodewijk Willem van Kooten II, using gold, light green enamel, and a ruby. I love how the artist seems to embrace the handmade quality here. There's this lovely tension between the precision of the design and the slightly uneven application of the enamel, creating a tactile and visually engaging surface. The choice of gold provides a kind of radiant warmth, while the ruby adds a spark of contrast. And that ruby at the center is such a focal point. It reminds me a bit of Gustav Klimt's work, with its ornate detail and use of precious materials. Like Klimt, Van Kooten seems interested in exploring the interplay between decoration and symbolism. It's a small detail, but it really makes the piece. Ultimately, these buttons highlight how art is an ongoing conversation, with artists drawing inspiration from those who came before them while also pushing the boundaries of their craft.