Miniature Kovsh c. 1900

This Miniature Kovsh was crafted by Henrik Wigström, using nephrite, gold, and enamel. The body of the kovsh is made from nephrite, a type of jade known for its toughness. Working with nephrite demands skill and patience; it requires specialized tools and techniques to grind and polish the hard stone without fracturing it. Notice the smooth, almost translucent quality that gives the kovsh its subtle glow. This was achieved by a master lapidary. The gold elements are also significant. The handle, adorned with enamel, showcases the silhouetted portraiture. Enameling is a meticulous process, involving fusing powdered glass to the gold. Consider the labor involved in such a piece; from mining the materials, to the work of multiple highly skilled artisans. Objects like this blur the lines between art, craft, and design, reminding us that these categories are less important than the human ingenuity and effort invested in their making.