Simply Danish

Simplicity of material and solid craftsmanship have secured Danish silver jewellery its prominent role in the twentieth century. Until c. 1920 the chasing technique creates an intensive plasticity; the imagery is concrete and close to nature. The functionalistic period with its geometrical design leaves the narrative element behind, preparing for the abstract, sculptural forms of the 1950s. Smooth surfaces and lively reflections of light characterise the second half of the century. The New Schwandt Collection presents 170 highlights by seventy manufacturers and artists, all of which are illustrated. Besides providing a general aesthetic evaluation, the author closely observes artists and trends over twenty chapters. The book includes notes on artists and workshops, a list of signatures, bibliographical notes and a special chapter on how to date early Georg Jensen jewellery. Accompanies the exhibition at GRASSI Museum of Applied Arts Leipzig (DE), 2 June-7 October 2018. Text in English and German.