Haardscherm met batik waarop een ornamentaal vissenpatroon van snoekbaarzen c. 1900 - 1902

This batik fire screen with pike ornaments was made by ‘t Binnenhuis. I love how the process of batik lends itself to patterns. The artist has created a mesmerizing circular design of fish swimming, all pointed towards the center. The choice of muted, earthy tones gives the work a calming feel. The material has a pleasing texture, and the subtle imperfections from the dye and wax process add to its handmade charm. The artist has created a border, with symmetrical motifs that perfectly frames the central image. Take a look at one fish, its head facing us. The eye, the fin, and the intricate details – each element is lovingly rendered. The artist clearly relishes the intricacies of the natural world. This fire screen reminds me a little of William Morris, with its emphasis on craftsmanship, natural motifs, and repetition of shapes. Like Morris, ‘t Binnenhuis embraces the beauty of imperfection and invites us to find joy in the small, everyday details of life.