Shell Container

Copied Stuart Golder, Shell Container, 1978, sterling silver, 18k gold, and copper, 121 141 18 in. (1.43.12.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Paul and Carole Garrison, 2000.41.12, © 1970-78, Stuart Golder

Artwork Details

Title
Shell Container
Date
1978
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
121 141 18 in. (1.43.12.8 cm)
Copyright
© 1970-78, Stuart Golder
Credit Line
Gift of Paul and Carole Garrison
Mediums Description
sterling silver, 18k gold, and copper
Classifications
Keywords
  • Object — other — shell
Object Number
2000.41.12

Artwork Description

These fifteen miniature containers (see 2000.41.1 to 2000.41.15) are part of a series of twenty-eight boxes that Stuart Golder created from 1970 to 1978, each one unique and no more than an inch in size. His technique involved bending the sheet metal, while other parts were formed, sawed, filed, shaped to fit, and soldered. He completed the surface finish by filing, sanding, and mirror polishing with an electric buffer, and he crafted the hinges and catches by hand. Many people asked him why he spent eight years on this project. He replied, "the preciousness of the form and the ability to hold a small universe in one's hands always intrigued me."