The work of master goldsmith Giovanni Corvaja is a fascinating mixture of the ancient and the cutting edge. His pieces are strikingly modern in form, clean geometries encasing staggering complexities, but the techniques employed to create these works are in fact the re-imagining of 3000 year old Etruscan methods (filigree and granulation) largely forgotten until very recently.
In trying to rediscover these ancient processes (specifically granulation) Corvaja has become an interesting mixture of ancient and cutting edge artisan himself. Though he alloys all his own metal for example and manufactures his own ingots, the studio equipment he uses is decidedly modern including a microscope, a super-charged water torch, and a host of self-designed items like a graphite crucible and a sapphire hammer and anvil. This combination of modern technology and ancient technique has allowed him to create work which in many ways outdoes his Etruscan predecessors and evidently pushed his materials to their limit. I’m fond of it in any case. For more images and info see: Galerie-Slavik, V&A collection, V&A audio, Abovo Gallery, and The Scottish Gallery.
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Exquisite. I need to bookmark your site, I’d forgotten what a joy it was.