February 02, 2007 :: Posted by - adwin :: Category -
Vintage Cufflinks
Southwestern Cufflinks
Hello, I am back. Today I saw an interesting article on southwestern cufflinks. Why not let me share it with you here. ( Read it while enjoying over a cup of warm coffee)
There are fair amounts of handcrafted cuff links produced in the American Southwest. While there are many similarities between pieces produced in the American Southwest and those produced in Mexico, there are also many differences. The materials used by both are basically the same as such materials are local to both areas.
Both also bring together the influences of their native culture plus European design concepts. However, the differences between pyramid building militaristic Aztecs and the more peaceful Pueblo dwelling peoples of the Southwest is far greater than the differences between a Spanish influence and a Northern European influence. The cuff links of the Southwest fall into two categories.
First, there are the basic trade goods, simple silver designs or enamel pieces done on copper in the same traditional Navaho, etc. designs seen on rugs and other fabrics. While these enamel on copper pieces are not highly collectible, there are certainly quite wearable and on a break-a-way Friday can certainly make your French blue Egyptian cotton shirt think its denim.
Then there are also some great silver cuff links that come out of the Southwest and many can be had at bargain prices. This is because many of the pieces are not signed and for many that are signed – the artist just is not well known. Also, there will be times that you may find cuff links by a known Indian artisan, but will be reasonable as the collectors of major Indian silver jewelry focus on the larger traditional pieces. I believe that the confluence of cultures in the Southwest, together with nature itself, provides a backdrop that allows an artist to step outside of the box and create unique pieces.
Time for some question and answer.
Question:
I just got a pair of cuff links signed Bent K – who is Bent K?
Answer:
Bent K stands for Bent Knudsen who was trained as a silversmith at C. M. Cohr in Fredericia Denmark. He worked at the Hans Hansen Smithy for 10 years. Bent and his wife, Anni (also a trained silversmith), established their own smithy in 1956. He often used stones in his designs that are in a simple, clear style and clearly well crafted. Knudsen’s pieces certainly would be generally classified as Danish Modern; however, his use of stones puts him apart from most Danish modernists.
While generally not at the quality level of Bent K, there is another Danish silversmith from the 50’s whose signature is often found on cuff links – John L. It appears that John L was John Lauritzen, a Copenhagen silversmith from 1955-1981. His pieces are generally smaller and some were made in 830 silver instead of sterling. His pieces are well made but are probably more wearable than collectible. Knudsen is listed in the Thage Danish Jewelry book, listed in helpful resources while Lauritzen was not included.
Have you learn something today?
Have a nice weekend & Happy Holiday!!
Adwin Ang
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