Finnish Silver
118: Kirjayhtymä, 1989. 1st Edition. Soft Cover. Text in English. 127 pp. Some rubbing to the covers. Small scuff on the front cover edge.
This book is the first presentation in English of the history of Finnish silver, from the 16th century to the present. Although emphasis is on the design silver of our own century, this has not been to the detriment of early periods, for full mention is made of the exquisite works of the old Finnish masters.
From old to new, this book unfolds the story of the development of silver design over the centuries. It enables the reader, for example, to compare the astonishingly modern-looking tea-pot of the master silversmith Henrik Sohlberg from 1778 with the gracious simplicity of today's products
For many centuries Finland was part of Sweden, something that is very evident in old Finnish silver. As the number of goldsmiths increased in Åbo-Turku, the old capital of Finland, the first guild was established. The interminable struggle between Sweden and Russia in the 18th century turned Finland into a divided nation, bringing hardship to its people and depression to its crafts. True peace did not come until Finland was ceded to Russia in 1809.
With good reason a whole chapter has been devoted to the Finnish silversmiths of St. Petersburg. During the time Finland was a Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire, the proximity of that great metropolis provided enterprising youth with a golden opportunity for acquiring a noble trade. And later, when returned, to devote their skills to the lasting benefit of their homeland.
Traditionally, silver objects were handmade and craft mysteries jealously guarded by the guilds. The march of industrialism in the mid-19th century brought new mechanised processes and a decline in the master-apprentice relationship. Eventually the guilds were abolished and the way opened for a new approach and the reorganisation of both the craft and training.
At the beginning of this century, artists and architects, affected by the Art Nouveau spirit and idea of the complete work of art, also tried their hand at designing silver. This Finnish romanticism owed much to the search for a national identity. Following independence in 1917, Finland entered into a period of enthusiastic progress. The twenties and thirties were also important times for silversmithing, as can be seen in the works of the talented Gunilla Jung.
The competitions organised at home in the late fourties paved the way for the triumph of Finnish design abroad. A new breed of designers appeared, reaping gold medals at successive Milan Triennales and other international exhibitions. Tapio Wirkkala and Bertel Gardberg, perhaps the most important modernists in silver, became world famous overnight. Near Fine. Item #6387
ISBN: 9512632446
Price: $40.00