Björn Weckström 1971 Lapponia Finland Modernist Tenochtitlan Bracelet In 18Kt Yellow Gold
Tenochtitlan bracelet designed by Enwurf Björn Weckström. (1935-)
Very rare unique piece of brutalism art, created in Helsinki Finland by the sculptor and goldsmith Björn Weckström, back in the 1971. This magnificent bold and massive bracelet is called Tenochtitlan and was crafted by Lapponia Finland in solid rich yellow gold of 18 karats with highly textured finish. Fitted with a discrete security push boxed lock that integrate in the design and a hinged figure 8 for extra safety.
The design is made up of 13 free-form elements organized geometrically and connected by invisible pins. The silhouette recreates the profile of the mountains, fjords and steep glaciers of this Nordic country. The volumes with their texture in low and high relief resemble blocks of ice.
It is pretty heavy with a total weight of 127.75 Grams and a lenght of 6.75 Inches (17.25 Cm). The width measure is 30 mm (1.18 Inches).
Stamped with the maker's mark, the Finland hallmark for the assay of the gold, the date of production mark S7 for 1971 and signed, "FINLAND S7 .750 EW".
Bjorn Weckstrom, born in 1935 and at the age of 16 studied at the goldsmiths school where he graduated in 1956. he proceeded to open his first workshop in Helsinki and began producing jewelry, inspired by the nature and featuring the use of rough cut gems. his participation in the international exhibition of modern jewelry, an exhibition formulated by Graham Hughes and the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1961, catapulted his career. He joined Pekka Antilla as a designer in 1963 and eventually in 1974, was made a partner in what is now called Lapponia. His career continued to blossom and in 1965, after winning the Rio de Janeiro competition, with his design for the flowering wall necklace he became an internationally known jeweler.
Lapponia was founded by Pekka Anttila and Björn Weckström, they first began collaborating in the early 60s, they aimed to elevate the art of jewelry design. Inspired by the rugged beauty of Nordic nature, Weckström built his design concepts around Finland’s snowy fells and frozen lakes, turning each piece into a magical miniature landscape. These bold pieces were unlike anything seen in Finnish jewelry design before. In 1965, Lapponia earned international recognition when the necklace “Flowering Wall” (Kukkiva Muuri) won the Grand Prix at the International Jewelry Contest.
In 1977, Lapponia fame skyrocketed. After Princess Leia wore the Planetoid Valleys necklace and Darina’s Bracelet, both from Weckström’s renowned moonwalk-inspired Space Silver collection, in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, the company’s name was on everyone’s lips. These two icons are still part of Lapponia collection. Weckström has designed more than 1,500 pieces of jewelry for Lapponia Inspired by Lapland’s legendary gold nuggets, they dazzle with the soft glow of matte gold and subtle diamonds set in platinum. We will also see the return of Weckström’s Galactic Wind earrings, from the Space Silver collection.
In September 2020 Kalevala Jewelry and Lapponia Jewelry merged into the new Kalevala brand. Lapponia unique design heritage lives on in the Art by Kalevala collection, and the production of the iconic jewelry will continue – as it has until now – as highly skilled Finnish handcrafting in Helsinki.
Note: We have only been able to find another similar bracelet but dated 1969 and with a slightly lower weight. This is definitely an exceptional collector's piece, and very rare to see made in 18k gold.
Note: Necklaces and rings has been also produced from this collection with this patterns in 18 and 14 karats as well, the high karats gold pieces are very desiderable.
Provenance: A private collection in Helsinki, Finland. A private collection in New York City, USA.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this bracelet is exceptional. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: B0000ITEN/3.070
