Pa. German Box c. 1937

Editor: This is "Pa. German Box," created around 1937 by Frances Lichten, using mixed media including coloured pencils. It's a humble little piece. I love its naive charm, but I’m unsure of its significance. What do you see in this piece that maybe I’m missing? Curator: Ah, this box. It whispers stories, doesn't it? It reminds me of finding a forgotten letter in grandma’s attic. Lichten clearly delights in the folk-art tradition here, in decorative arts, echoing the Pa. German style in a really refreshing way. See the boldness of those tulip-like flowers and the folksy inscription – ‘M Rau Schs’ maybe? Editor: Yes, it definitely has a homespun quality. The flowers are so simple, almost childlike in their rendering. Curator: Precisely! And isn’t it remarkable how Lichten, with just coloured pencils, paint and maybe some ink, has created something so vibrant, so… well, *alive*? The slightly off-kilter composition, the imperfect lines, all contribute to its captivating aura. Editor: I see what you mean. The imperfections make it feel more personal and intimate. Curator: Think about where it came from: the decorative arts movement where function merges seamlessly with visual expression. Objects weren't just useful; they were storytellers, carrying the identity of a community forward through generations. What stories might this box hold, do you think? Editor: I imagine this box held letters or keepsakes—little reminders of everyday life. It makes the history so relatable. Curator: Exactly. Each of these design elements – color, line, inscription – work together to form not just an image, but a vessel of meaning, you might even say, history itself! Editor: I never thought about decorative arts this way! It really makes me appreciate this "Pa. German Box" even more. It's not just a pretty thing, it's a piece of someone's story.