Border c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have three border designs by an anonymous artist, held at the Harvard Art Museums. They look like block prints. What can you tell us about the way these were made? Curator: Given these are border designs, and the repetition of patterns, I’d be interested in the labor involved in their production. Were they made by hand, or were machines involved? How did the means of production affect the final cost and accessibility of these borders? Editor: That's a great point. Thinking about the mass production of such designs really changes how I see them. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. Considering the material conditions surrounding their creation opens up a whole new avenue of interpretation.