BK-1980-525

About this artwork

Wit linnen handdoek met een pellenpatroon, genaamd "oud speldenkussen". Merk HW 36.

Art Historical Context

Welcome to our textile collection, where everyday objects reveal the artistry of the past BK-1980-525 is a finely crafted white linen hand towel from the mid-19th century (circa 1825–1875), measuring approximately 103 cm high by 84 cm wide. Woven with a distinctive "ellenpatroon" known "oud speldenk" (old pincush), this piece showcases a Dutch damask weave that the shape of a classic pincushion, a nod to domestic sewing culture. The subtle, repetitive pattern highlights the weaver's skill in creating texture and depth through linen threads alone. Produced during a time when linen was a prized household material in the Netherlands, such towels were essential for hygiene and hospitality, often handmade on home looms. The maker's mark "HW 36" suggests a regional artisan or workshop, underscoring the importance of folk textile traditions before industrialization. Though unsigned by a known artist, its preservation speaks to the cultural value placed on these functional yet beautiful items, bridging utility and ornament in 19th-century daily life. This towel invites us to appreciate the quiet elegance of vernacular art—evidence of skilled hands preserving patterns across generations.