Bottle Stopper c. 20th century

This bottle stopper was made by an unknown artist with glass beads and wood; it now resides in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The zigzag pattern on the beaded section, rendered in simple black and white, feels like a very human kind of geometry, not precise but full of intention. I find myself thinking about how the object might feel in my hand, the contrast of the smooth, hard beads against the rough, organic texture of the wood. Look at how the beads are densely packed, creating a tactile surface that invites touch. The choice of black and white is striking; it gives the piece a graphic quality, almost like a bold print. It makes me think of Gee’s Bend quilts and the way simple materials can be transformed into something visually complex and deeply moving. This stopper reminds me of the work of an artist like Faith Ringgold, who combines storytelling with intricate textile work. Both artists use material and pattern to create objects that are both functional and deeply expressive. Art is always a conversation.