KWAB. Dutch Design in the Age of Rembrandt

Fantastic sea creatures, monstrous beasts, whimsical body shapes and fluid contours that seem to drip like syrup from a spoon: all are manifestations of the ornament style known as kwab, ‘auricular’ or ‘lobate’ - with the English denominations referring to the organic forms of the ear. In the 17th century their almost molten form was to be found on luxury items such as ewers, dishes, furniture, wall-hangings and frames in the most stylish interiors of the elite.

The kwab style is the most sensational and important Dutch contribution to the development of decorative art in Europe. Its originators – the Dutch silversmiths Paulus and Adam van Vianen and Johannes Lutma – enjoyed unprecedented fame in their day. Their work was also an inspiration for artists such as Rembrandt and the cabinetmaker Herman Doomer.

In this exhibition, a spectacular design by theatre and lighting designer Keso Dekker, renowned for his ballet sets by Hans van Manen, brings together 130 auricular masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum. A selection of the finest silverware, alongside paintings by Rembrandt and Metsu, prints and drawings, tables, cabinets, gilt-leather wall hangings and brass church decorations, will tell the story of this spectacular Dutch Design of the Golden Age.

Book

KWAB. Ornament as Art in the Age of Rembrandt
Author: Reinier Baarsen, with a contribution by Ine Castelijns Van Beek
Hardback: 304 pages, 23 x 29 cm, 350 illustrations.
Design: Irma Boom
Price: €40

Dutch Design in the Rijks Shop

Dutch Design products by a.o. Aldo Bakker, Studio JOB, Maria Blaisse and Scholten & Baijings will be for sale in the Rijks Shop, which is curated with Matter of Material.

_The exhibition KWAB. Dutch Design in the Age of Rembrandt is made possible with support from the Rijksmuseum Fonds: Hans & Hedy de Klerk, Ernst Nijkerk Fonds, Fonds Dirk Jan van Orden, Rijsterborgh Fonds; M.A.O.C. Gravin van Bylandt Stichting and Holland America Line. The Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency has granted an indemnity guarantee on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science._