Kwab

The auricular is one of the most important and remarkable Dutch contributions to the decorative arts in Europe. This book traces the history and meaning of the auricular style, with its fabulous, organic shapes, from the work of the goldsmith Paulus van Vianen at the court of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor, in Prague to that of his brother Adam in Utrecht and Johannes Lutma in Amsterdam. Their masterpieces were admired as high art by Rembrandt and his pupils, who produced auricular designs themselves. The fascinating story of this unique abstract decorative form is illustrated using silver and gold masterworks, design drawings and prints, paintings by Rembrandt, furnishings, and Cuir de Cordoue gold leather wall coverings. An organic style emerges that is particularly relevant to today's design practices. Exhibition: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (30.06.-16.09.2018).

"Fantastic sea creatures, monstrous beasts, whimsical body shapes, and fluid contours that seem to drip like treacle from a spoon: all are manifestations of the seventeenth-century ornamental language known as 'kwab' - auricular or lobate in English. Sensational kwab is the Netherland's most important contribution to the decorative arts of Europe. Its originators - Dutch silversmiths Paulus and Adam Van Vianen and Johannes Lutma - enjoyed unprecedented fame in their day. Their work not only inspired Dutch painters such as Rembrandt and Gerbrand van den Eeckhout, cabinetmakers, silversmiths and sculptors, but also designers and artists from England, France, and Germany."