Leren schoen van Perzisch maskeradekostuum c. 1913

These leather shoes from a Persian masquerade costume, by an anonymous maker, seem to whisper stories of movement and transformation. The maker likely approached the task with a keen understanding of how materials behave, coaxing the leather into these slipper-like forms. It's like a dance between the hand and the hide. Up close, you see the nuances of the leather's surface—a landscape of subtle creases and worn edges. The deep burgundy-brown color, which feels both earthy and refined, speaks of age and use. The form is soft and yielding, like a well-loved glove. Imagine the gestures of the person who wore these; each step, each turn, imprinted on the leather. These shoes remind me of the work of Rosemarie Trockel, who often uses everyday materials to explore themes of identity and the body. Ultimately, these shoes invite us to reflect on the layers of meaning we project onto the objects we use, imbuing them with our own stories and experiences.