Copper Punch

This rectangular copper punch centers four leaves and flowers enclosed within a larger circle. Each of the shiny sheet’s corners contains a heart with a curvilinear design, and a single dotted row forms a border. The evenly-spaced punches and overall symmetry provide unity and cohesion to this contemporary example of the traditional American form made by artist Ira Blount (1918-2020).

After moving to Washington, DC following World War II, Ira Blount mastered dozens of artisanal crafts. His love for crafting, learning, and community engagement would endure over the course of his long life and career.