Radius Square Box

Stuart Golder, Radius Square Box, 1977, sterling silver, 18k gold, and velvet, ³⁄₈ x 1 ¹⁄₈ x 1 ¹⁄₈ in. (0.9 x 2.7 x 2.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Paul and Carole Garrison, 2000.41.9, © 1970-78, Stuart Golder

Artwork Details

Title: Radius Square Box
Artist: Stuart Golder
Date: 1977
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: ³⁄₈ x 1 ¹⁄₈ x 1 ¹⁄₈ in. (0.9 x 2.7 x 2.7 cm)
Copyright: © 1970-78, Stuart Golder
Credit Line: Gift of Paul and Carole Garrison
Mediums: gold
silver
Mediums Description: sterling silver, 18k gold, and velvet
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 2000.41.9
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2000.41.9

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." Many of Stuart Golder's tiny boxes contain rich interiors. This piece opens to reveal a soft, black velvet lining.