Artist(s) unknown
Kaleidoskop
circa early twentieth century
This is a fine example of a simple pleasure. Compared to some kaleidoscopes, its shape is simple and unfussy. Its old age is apparent through both its coarse craftsmanship (notice the edges’ paper pleating and how the barrel’s pattern ‘seeps’ over the printed lines) as well as its mint condition - the latter being a likely testament to being treated with care over the decades. Within is concealed a wild and dazzling glass universe, as one might expect, but it is interesting to note that the instrument’s outer shell, though indeed a pattern, does little to foreshadow the wonder of the revolving spectacle inside. It is a unique pattern characteristic of the Wiener Werkstätte period and it certainly catches the eye if not for its complementary reds and greens; but it nonetheless lacks a certain ‘spunk’ worthy of this type of toy. Perhaps this is intentional - like a test, a way to lure in the unweary child or bored friend. Perhaps it is only through this sense of subdued outer display that the curiosity of the onlooker is truly sparked. It may serve as the kaleidoscope’s eye of the hurricane: an unnervingly calm space preceding something terrible but beautiful. Lift this to one’s eye, begin to turn it one way and then another and, similar to a great storm, it becomes difficult to tear oneself away from the trance of such a strange spectacle of visuals.
