Pewter Foot Warmer c. 1936

Charles Garjian rendered this pewter foot warmer using graphite on paper. Consider the handle atop the warmer, a miniature bell-like form. This shape, though functional, echoes the sacred bell found in temples worldwide. Reflect on the bell's presence, from the ringing chimes that call monks to prayer, to the small bells worn in ritual dance. The bell carries layers of history, signifying an appeal to the divine, and even a warning. Its shape, a vessel, suggests containment and transformation, resonating with ancient alchemical traditions. The warmth this foot warmer provides speaks to basic human needs, but the bell suggests something more. Perhaps it is a subconscious desire to connect with a higher power, to ward off the cold not just of the body, but of the soul. The bell, a symbol that has evolved through time, constantly reappearing to offer comfort and connection.