The Silent Ritual: Fragments of a Victorian Morning

Enzie Shahmiri
2024-03-24T06:30:36-07:00

A study in the poetry of the mundane. These handmade Victorian-era tools—a broom and iron-finished dustpan—serve as quiet artifacts of a life lived in the corners of the chateau, bringing a sense of lived-in history to the kitchen.

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There is a quiet dignity in the tools of labor. In the corners of the chateau's kitchen, the broom and dustpan aren't merely accessories; they are the physical remnants of a daily ritual. To create these, I wanted to capture the weighted feel of wood and the cold utility of metal—objects that feel as though they were just leaned against the wall after the morning’s chores.

The Art of the Ordinary

The beauty of a period-accurate home is often found in the most functional items.

The Sweep of History: I focused on the texture of the bristles, aiming for a look that suggests use—gathered dust and the wear of stone floors.

The Weight of Utility: The dustpan, finished in a deep, darkened "iron," provides a grounded contrast to the delicate script of the hand-painted backdrop. It is a study in how even the most humble objects contribute to the "soul" of a room.

A Narrative in the Corner

In a large-scale project, the eye needs places to rest. By tucking these handmade pieces into a shadow-drenched corner, they tell a story of an unseen inhabitant. They suggest a life in motion, a house that is breathed in, swept, and cared for.