Briefopener van het 10-jarig jubilieum van de Nederlandse Christelijke Radio Vereeniging 1924 - 1934

This is a letter opener made for the tenth anniversary of the Dutch Christian Radio Association, but when exactly, we don’t know. The material is metal, likely a silver alloy, cool and hard, with a precise, almost industrial feel. The design is rigidly symmetrical, but notice the flowing lines cut into the blade, they disrupt the formality, lending it a quirky energy. The inscription ‘Uw Woord is de Waarheid’ or ‘Thy Word is Truth’ is carved in relief. These raised areas create a contrast of light and shadow and a compelling haptic quality. You can imagine running your finger across the surface, feeling the texture. This everyday object, elevated through careful design and craftsmanship, reminds me of Bauhaus artist Marianne Brandt’s metalwork – the way functional items can become miniature sculptures, imbued with meaning and beauty. I think there is something beautiful about how objects can be quiet carriers of belief and ingenuity.