Dances and Delights

One of the most frustrating things about modern jewellery is lack of obscure or somewhat outdated utility. A dance card is hardly a useful object in the 21st century. However, I think one of the most interesting things to create are objects that can used in a new way, even if they are inspired by objects of the past. 

If you're not familiar, Dance Cards were used by people, traditionally women, to write down names of people they promised a dance to.

Dance cards have had a lot of designs, some of them having very little to do with the IDBY version; those that are furthest removed were made out of paper and looked just like a small booklet. The closest in style are metal dance cards of 18th and 19th century that were reused for multiple balls, and for some extra extravagant occasions were gifted at the ball itself as a memento. 

The IDBY dance card is a time travelling piece; inspired by 18-19th century object with hand drawn sketches from "Earth" middle panel and "Hell" right panel of Hieronymus Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights"(1490-1515) triptych. 

Across many centuries and lands, like 15th century Italy, 19th century England, 18th century France, the image of Gardens was used as a backdrop and a metaphor for courtly love. A fountain, a meadow, a hedge...

 

“Though Hope be courteous and debonair, She's never certain.”
― Jean de Meun, The Romance of the Rose

 

    At the centre of IDBY dance card is a four leaf flower reminiscent of the lucky clover, to bring a bit of luck and comfort to the debaucherous scene. Unfortunately danger is always injected in spaces of dances and delights... I want this piece to be an embodiment of gayety and amorous fun, even if it is unrealistic. 

Place a photo of a loved one or a few little notes to share with strangers on a night out in this dance card, and don't forget to save a dance for me!