Fire Tools c. 1937

This lithograph by Hans Korsch presents an array of fireplace tools, rendered with close attention to their materiality. These tools are depicted with an emphasis on their crafted nature, evident in the subtle variations of form and finish. The handles, bulbous and ornate, suggest the hand of a skilled artisan, shaping the metal with care. The lithographic process itself, though mechanical, mimics the precision required in metalworking. Consider the labor involved in producing such items—the forging, casting, and polishing. Each tool, from the tongs to the poker, speaks to a history of industry and domesticity, reflecting a time when even the most utilitarian objects were imbued with a sense of aesthetic consideration. This image reminds us that craft and design are integral to our everyday lives, bridging the gap between the functional and the beautiful. It challenges us to appreciate the artistry embedded within the objects we often take for granted.