Border c. 16th century

Curator: Looking at this compilation of decorative strips held at the Harvard Art Museums, titled simply, “Border”, I’m struck by their delicate, almost ethereal quality. Editor: They're incredibly tactile, though! You can almost feel the pressure of the printing block or the etching tool on the paper. I'm fascinated by the anonymous labor embedded in these mass-produced designs. Curator: Mass produced, perhaps, but each contains its own universe of miniature griffins, floral flourishes, and cherubic figures. I see a longing for beauty, even in repetition. Editor: And a canny understanding of the market. These borders were made to be used, consumed, to add a touch of class to... what? Books? Furniture? It speaks to the democratization of ornament. Curator: Maybe that’s what makes me love them. They whisper stories of human endeavor, of wanting to adorn the everyday with a little spark of magic. Editor: Agreed. It's amazing how something so small and utilitarian can reveal such a wide landscape of production, commerce, and of course, taste.