Description

Cast by hand in the Wild Goose Studio, Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland. This Book of Kells Celtic knotwork animal plaque has an outer shell of pure bronze with an inner core of cast resin material for stability. Each Wild Goose piece is made entirely by hand, with no two being exactly alike.

Since ancient times, bronze has been a highly prized metal for the making of tools, jewelry and statues. It is an alloy of copper, which was first mined in Ireland over 4000 years ago. Left to weather, it will acquire a green patina; polished it will shine like gold.

The Book of Kells is one of Ireland's national treasures, and possibly the finest illuminated manuscript ever created. The book, a version of the Four Gospels, was created at the monastery at Iona, and then, to avoid its capture by Vikings, brought to Kells in Ireland in the eighth century.

The book's intricate flowing lines are the epitome of Celtic art, creating wild yet controlled designs. The need, and the courage, to weave order and disorder is no less a challenge to us in the modern world than it was to the Celts centuries ago. Inspired directly by the Book of Kells, this piece is from an original carving by Irish artist Kathleen Smyth.

Approximately 10.5 inches wide, 3.5 inches tall, and 3/4 of an inch thick at the point of greatest depth.

To see a larger view, please click on the image.