Voorzittershamer van E.N. van Kleffens gebruikt tijdens de 9e bijeenkomst van de Algemene Vergadering van de Verenigde Naties Possibly 1954 - 1959

This gavel was used by E.N. van Kleffens during the 9th meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations. What strikes me first is the anonymous nature of the maker. It’s such a functional object, but it also carries so much symbolism. The wood is polished to a smooth sheen, and you can imagine the weight of it in your hand, the sound it makes when it strikes. It's quite plain, but the wood grain has this subtle figuring, like tiny, parallel lines, giving it a kind of contained energy. Then you've got the metal plate inscribed with text which serves to denote its origin and purpose. I think about all the decisions that must have been made with this object, all the debates it punctuated. It’s a potent symbol of authority and order, but also, maybe, a reminder of the delicate balance between different voices. It reminds me a little of the work of Vija Celmins, who also takes functional everyday objects and elevates them to this status of art.