Torque

Daniel Brush is a master metalsmith following in the footsteps of Jamnitzer and the wunderkammer-collecting princes of Europe. His interest in manipulating the physical properties of the mineral world is not unlike the alchemists, only he’s not foolish enough to think he can transform lead into gold. Instead, he uses the finest quality of gold, for example, intensively labored into micro-mosaic abstract patterned panels that pay homage to Byzantine Ravenna but appeal to our modern minimalist sensibilities. He dives into engineering and scientific supply catalogues and makes deals with purveyors of rare materials in pursuit of his obsessions.

Among his first projects to discover the mysterious method of granulating gold in ancient times, he experimented as a way of understanding the secret, and in the process, perfected it. How did the Etruscans coil hollow metal tube with the resources available to them? He learned by doing. He has a stable of antique metalworking machines, and drawers and boxes full of "objets de vertu" with no other value to him than their role in a kind of daily meditative practice. He constantly chisels, chases, and engraves metal surfaces, among many other techniques and processes, all of which serve to puzzle through his curiosities. He does not accept commissions nor gallery representation. Over his 45 years of practice, he has produced a body of work that can be found in public, private, and royal collections.

Inspired by Scythian torques in The Met’s collection, Brush sourced the best quality aluminum tubing from producers of airplane refrigeration coils which he fashioned into this engraved and diamond studded aluminum torque. He transformed the dull, humble material through countless hours of laboring its surface into a luminous evocation of an ancient torque. The engraved surface set with a mix of multi-colored diamonds—some new and some historical, cut during the Mughal reign and repurposed—gives the simple geometric shape an elusive glimmer. The piece also resonates with three African-inspired necklaces in the collection made by another master of experimental metallurgy, Jean Dunand.