Trench art is any decorative item made by soldiers, prisoners of war, or civilians where the manufacture is directly linked to armed conflict or its consequences. It offers an insight not only to their feelings and emotions about the war, but also their surroundings and the materials they had available to them.

Not limited to the World Wars, the history of trench art spans conflicts from the Napoleonic Wars to the present day. Although the practice flourished during World War I, the term 'trench art' is also used to describe souvenirs manufactured by service personnel during World War II. Some items manufactured by soldiers, prisoners of war or civilians during earlier conflicts have been retrospectively described as trench art.

The trench art was done by a Belgian soldier. Featured In The Book “Trench Art, An Illustrated History” by Jane Kimball on Page 224

Belgian mess kit engraved with the date "5.10.14" [October 5, 1914], the initials "L. A.," the Belgian colonial flag, and "Congo." The verso is engraved "Souvenir de Guerre," the initials "EV.B.," the Belgian colonial flag and "14" "15." Each side is engraved with a floral motif. The bottom is engraved with a bird on a branch and the names "Anna, Hilda, Maurice, Antoinette, and Jose."

A printed full color glossy copy of page 224 will accompany the mess kit.