Sheet with five borders with blue and black abstract patterns 1800 - 1900

This sheet with five borders with blue and black abstract patterns, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was made by an anonymous artist. This work invites us to consider the rich and often overlooked history of textile design. Patterns like those seen here were not simply decorative; they were deeply embedded in cultural narratives. These designs often carried symbolic weight, reflecting social hierarchies, religious beliefs, and communal identities. Historically, women were central to textile production, turning the craft into a form of cultural expression and economic empowerment. The anonymity of the artist also speaks volumes. This piece prompts us to question why certain forms of labor and creativity are valued over others, and how class and gender intersect to shape these valuations. Appreciate this textile not only for its aesthetic qualities but also as a silent witness to the lives and labor of those who created it.