Heikki Seppä, Lupin Wedding Crown, 1982, formed, hammered, and soldered 18k gold, sterling silver, and diamond, 4 1⁄2 x 8 x 8 1⁄4 in. (11.5 x 20.4 x 20.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance, 2001.46
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Lupin Wedding Crown
- Artist
- Date
- 1982
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 4 1⁄2 x 8 x 8 1⁄4 in. (11.5 x 20.4 x 20.9 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of the James Renwick Alliance
- Mediums Description
- formed, hammered, and soldered 18k gold, sterling silver, and diamond
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Dress — ceremonial — wedding dress
- Dress — accessory — hat
- Object Number
- 2001.46
Artwork Description
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.