Design 
26 October 2023
Design 
117

Hermann Jünger

Necklace and box from the Schmuckkasten series

Germany
estimate: $8,000–10,000
result: $8,190
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Comprising nine interchangeable elements, to be strung on a gold coil necklace by Niessing, part of the Schmuckkasten series in which all works have variations and are unique; 1987
Yellow gold, silver, rock crystal, red jasper, hematite
Signed Niessing to clasp
Necklace 19.75 in, largest element 3.125 x 0.25 in, smallest element 0.375 x 0.375 in; Gross weight 48.3 dwts
provenance: European Private Collection
literature: Jewelry of Our Time: Art, Ornament and Obsession, Drutt and Dormer, pg. 127 illustrates related example

This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.

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A true goldsmith is someone who combines the two great human possibilities—Thought and Action—in one creative profession. They are a unified, un-split person, and in this unity they find the meaning and harmony of existence.

Hermann Jünger

Hermann Junger 1928–2005

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Hermann Jünger was born in Hanau in 1928 and became one of Germany’s most accomplished and innovative goldsmiths, incorporating contemporary intellectual and philosophical leanings into the ancient medium. Though classically trained and a master in an array of techniques, Jünger embraced irregular surfaces, chance and randomness and took a collage-like approach to building up surfaces with both found and precious materials. This approach was largely inspired by his studies with the goldsmith and philosopher Franz Rickert in the early 1950s; Rickert encouraged his students to pursue individualism and experimentation, rather than strive for perfection in technique.

Jünger's brooches of the 1960s, which incorporate enamling, semi-precious gemstones and have a painterly expressiveness, reflect his progressive approach to materials and form. His pendant boxes of the 1980s are perhaps his most enduring contribution to jewelry design, as they emphasize the personal, ritualistic relationship of jewelry to its wearer and the universal desire to “make”. Jünger served as the director of the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich for several decades, until his death in 2005.

Auction Results Hermann Junger

Hermann Jünger

necklace from Schmuckkasten Series

estimate: $8,000–10,000

result: $12,500

Hermann Jünger

Jewelry box with necklace

estimate: $10,000–12,000
117