Fish Slice
1993 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The dynamism of the squid-like form is created through the flowing lines brought to an exciting conclusion in the sharp bifurcated blade tip. The intricate wave pattern of the piercing evoke the ebb and flow of a sea tide creating a sense of perpetual movement. The ingenuity of the two-tier handle shows flair and originality. Stabilized by eight post pins, with each tier splitting into four plane pieces, the visual and tactile effect is aggressively bold. This server creates a tension for the viewer, the tactile grip of the handle inviting grasp while the power of the abstracted form simultaneously repelling.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Sterling silver, pierced |
| Brief description | Silver, USA, Iowa City, Iowa, 1993, designed and made by Chunghi Choo. |
| Physical description | The server is an abstracted fish shape made from sheet silver. The blade is an extended oval plate with a bifurcated sharp pointed mouth that carries out the theme of the shape. It is pierced in a fly-away pattern. The blade lifts to a two tier handle, each side of which is in four plane pieces that convey a strong dynamic effect. The two tiers are separated and stabilized by eight post pins. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Inscribed "Chunghi Choo, 1993" |
| Gallery label | This collection of silver slices, all commissioned over a period of twenty years by Professor Benton Seymour Rabinovitch FRS, is proof of the skill and diversity of contemporary silversmiths. Each artist craftsman has responded to the familiar functional form of the slice in an individual way, producing an astonishingly diverse range of interpretations. Each piece becomes an enchanting, decorative work of art. Professor Rabinovitch established a close rapport with each artist, always encouraging a freedom of creative expression. The response of these silversmiths has been not only to be strikingly imaginative but also to honour him by giving him their best work.
This collection is testimony to the significant contribution that one individual can make to supporting the craft of silversmithing. After commissioning work from some of the most illustrious names in British and North American silversmithing, Professor Rabinovitch has very generously donated his entire collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum, through the American Friends of the V&A.(2005) |
| Credit line | Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Professor B. Seymour Rabinovitch |
| Object history | Historical significance: Choo is inspired in her work to emulate the harmony of music. Her pieces capture the joyful vitality of a melody through flowing forms and mesmeric detailing and textures. "Music helps me to make my work harmonious, joyous and flowing". |
| Historical context | Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers. |
| Summary | The dynamism of the squid-like form is created through the flowing lines brought to an exciting conclusion in the sharp bifurcated blade tip. The intricate wave pattern of the piercing evoke the ebb and flow of a sea tide creating a sense of perpetual movement. The ingenuity of the two-tier handle shows flair and originality. Stabilized by eight post pins, with each tier splitting into four plane pieces, the visual and tactile effect is aggressively bold. This server creates a tension for the viewer, the tactile grip of the handle inviting grasp while the power of the abstracted form simultaneously repelling. |
| Bibliographic reference | Benton Seymour Rabinovitch and Helen Clifford, Contemporary Silver, commissioning, designing, collecting, London, Merrell, 2000, pp. 110-11. ill. ISBN. 1858941040 |
| Other number | LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.119-2005 - previous loan number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.92-2008 |
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| Record created | July 10, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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