Delft Blue Cross Spider – kintsugi and a golden spider’s web by Elianne van Turennout

A Delft-blue cross spider in its own web, with delicate golden lines reminiscent of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold.

The spider’s web is given a golden accent. It is this contrast that makes this piece interesting: an animal that many people would rather not encounter in their homes is transformed into something refined and almost graceful. The cross spider remains recognisable, whilst its natural pattern takes on a new meaning through this combination.

The piece is part of my ‘Tiny Treasures’ series: a series in which small animals from the natural world are given a new form. Insects and other arthropods often have an undeserved bad reputation. Yet they are indispensable: they clean up the natural world, pollinate crops and form the basis of countless ecosystems. With this series, I aim to show just how special and beautiful these often-misunderstood creatures really are.

The golden web references kintsugi, whilst the Delft blue pattern draws on the Dutch tradition of blue-and-white ceramics. This brings nature, craftsmanship and Dutch visual culture together in a single little cross spider.

A unique work of art for lovers of spiders, nature, macro photography, Delft blue, kintsugi, insect art and distinctive wall décor. This photograph of a Delft Blue cross spider looks lovely as a photo print, but also works well on canvas, aluminium Dibond or acrylic glass. A unique piece of art for a living room, hall, study, practice room or stylish interior. Particularly in a space where nature is allowed to enter in a refined, delicate and valuable way.