Object Details
Artist
Heikki Seppä, born Viipuri, Finland 1927-died Bainbridge Island, WA 2010
Luce Center Label
In this piece, Heikki Seppä employed two technical innovations for silver and gold: three-dimensional tessellation (the creation of a mosaic pattern using small squares of stone or glass) and the use of 20-gauge silver sheet stock. The title of the piece refers to a Finnish custom similar to "throwing the bouquet." In the wedding rite, the bride wears a gold crown adorned with a lupin, a wild plant symbolizing abundance and fertility. Following the ceremony, the bride is blindfolded and single women dance around her. She then places her wedding crown on one of them, signifying that the recipient is the next to be married.
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance
Date
1982
Object number
2001.46
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Crafts
Medium
formed, hammered, and soldered 18k gold, sterling silver, and diamond
Dimensions
4 1/2 x 8 x 8 1/4 in. (11.5 x 20.4 x 20.9 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Renwick Gallery
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Dress\accessory\hat
Dress\ceremonial\wedding dress
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_2001.46