Karl Fritsch and his jewelry is layered of tales, tales which are intertwined with history and sagas:
Pandora’s Tears: A sealed copy of the Diamond Sutra was found around 1906 by Sir Aurel Stein in the Magao Cave along the Silk Road near Dunhuang, China. It was a large block-printed roll dated from AD 868 and proved to be the oldest known example of a printed book. This copy of the popular Buddhist work The Diamond Sutra is now in possession of the British Library.
‘From the Diamond Sutra came the prophecy that was called “Diamond of transcendental wisdom”, since its teaching, as sharp-witted as a diamond sword, would cut through all worldly illusions, and as such could enlighten beholders on what was real and everlasting …
As an example of spiritual perfection the Korean Seon monk Gihwa (1376-1433AD) layered a handful of precious stones on a silver ring, held together by his pure force of meditation, mental power and prayers; just as the Diamond Sutra instructed. When he passed away the monks of his cloister glued the stones together with the power of rice dumplings (extracted from lotus roots, cooked with honey and turned into a caramelized pastry). They then kept it in a special wood shrine.’
Since then this ring, called Pandora’s Tears has had a spell and caused a chain of bad-luck for all its owners. It cast its spell on Karl when he got his hands on the stones and again made a ring out of it, till he too passed it on as a gift to his book publisher. He too was not spared the curse and had to eventually auction it off in Mumbai to pay his medical bills. No one knows who owns it now…. But soon after, Karl won the long awaited, prestigious Françoise van den Bosch Award!
‘Fritsch manages to give a new and original twist to materials, techniques, conventions and ultimately to his own profession. His rings are made of gold, but it is dull; they are studded variously with gemstones or with glitzy pieces of glass; even finger marks serve as a form of decoration, as do what appear to be loose heaps of minuscule clay balls. Fritsch’s trademark is the way he plays with clichés and breaks down stereotypes. The results can be truly spectacular.
‘The King’s Ring: Once upon a time there was a powerful king, who owned everything his heart could desire. But this King was unsatisfied with his power and all his wealth. He was afflicted with a strange restlessness and unexplainably longed for something which would fulfill following conditions: It should sadden him, when he would be happy - and should placate him when he would be sad. (..) One day the wise men had found the answer, when they stepped in front of the king, he asked them for their efforts’ outcome. They handed him a ring. And this magic ring had following engraving: “This too, will pass”.
13th century Chinese saying
Not so old Chinese saying:
who wants to be happy for one day, should drink.
who wants to be happy for a week, should slaughter a pig.
who wants to be happy for a year, should get married.
who wants to be happy for ever, should become a gardener.
who wants to be happy once in a while, should wear a ring by Karl Fritsch.
I am one of those latter described but I wear my ring on a daily basis.
Glass Wear @ Museum of Arts & Design, New York (July 15 - Sept. 20, 2009)
Karl Fritsch and Lisa Walker @ Gallery Inform Jewellery in New Zealand (July 14- August 9, 2009);
Karl Fritsch @ Salon 94, New York (April 2010)
Please refer to the galleries for inquiries and prices. Pictures are courtesy of artist and several galleries.
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