In recent years I have developed an interest in small objects with
a special significance in everyday situations or in festive or ceremonial
occasions. Objects that relate to a particular moment, a place, a
person or a memory.
This interest led to a collection of spoons and bowls. To highlight
these utensils and in continuance of a historical tradition, I forged
these in silver. A complex technique that requires considerable skill,
but a process and a result with its own special charm. This was also
how I devised my contribution to the 'Diadems for Maxima' exhibition.
Following a request for contemporary - silver - rattles, I made a
thorough investigation of the subject. From the late-sixteenth century
on, many Dutch portraits depict children holding rattles. Most are
silver, some are gold, culminating in a decorative crystal or coral.
These were meant to protect the child against illness and accident.
Indeed, a rattle was more than a toy. It was a kind of amulet. Similarly,
besides amusing children, bells and flutes were also intended to chase
away devils and demons. A common classic
model is the tower-shaped rattle, related to the bell-tree and the
finials of a Torah scroll. Ancient rattles are rare, although replicas
can be purchased. Today, the most common type of rattle is the plastic
ring on which children bite, with a silver pendant in the shape of
a bell, animal, heart or some other motif. Rattles specifically designed
for children are sold in toyshops and baby shops. These are invariably
made of synthetic materials, with a smooth rounded form, so that they
can safely be given to a child.
For the rattles which I designed, the ceremonial aspect is far more
important than the functional, and like the historical and traditional
models, they can only be played with under supervision. Some are thematically
linked to my jewellery and spoons: the earth mother and laughing or
angry faces. The contemporary version of the historical belltree model
has a rich sound. I used the spiral of life as a general symbol and
more specifically, the child's sign of the zodiac. In this modest
collection I have attempted to
inject new life into an interesting cultural phenomenon.
Paul Derrez
Paul Derrez | Tits and Pieces, The Happy Family, Spooky Spoons
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