Skønvirke is the Danish version of Art Nouveau. Pronounced SKURN-veer-kh, its literal translation means "beautiful work." In the late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries, Danish artists, architects, jewelers and designers were influenced by the classic principles of the larger, international Art Nouveau movement: elevated handcraft, organic themes, curvaceous lines, and an emphasis on beautiful, natural materials. But the Danes put their own, Nordic spin on things. Skønvirke tended to be a little more restrained than other countries' Art Nouveau movements. And Danish historical, literary and cultural themes were sometimes referenced in the works.
The enameled sterling silver spoon, shown above, was made in Copenhagen in 1954 by Grann & Laglye. This quality silversmith, founded in 1906, made a series of collectible spoons released for Christmas. This spoon is particularly handsome. A bold and radiant Bethlehem star floats atop the handle while rays (perhaps the Holy Spirit) descends downwards, towards the Earth. The spoon has a strong Skønvirke sensibility, perhaps heightened with a touch of the Art Deco. However, with the spoon having been made in 1954, both the Art Deco and the Art Nouveau movements would (at that point) have been in the recent past. Nevertheless, the design is beautiful in its aesthetics and its craftsmanship. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome piece.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.