This section briefly introduces several crafts that are closely related to their finished works of art. In fact, it is difficult to draw a line between art produced and the craft itself. Blacksmiths, jewelers, and goldsmiths represent ancient professions. For centuries, these craftsmen have worked hard to bring beauty into the world by turning simple and ordinary things into masterpieces of art.
An intricate hammered fence, a shiny sword blade decorated with fine engraving, a gold cup embellished with sophisticated carvings and gemstones – what makes these obviously different things similar? What connection exists between them? The answer is simple: by the talented hand of a skilled craftsman, all of these objects have been turned from ordinary, everyday objects into admirable and exciting artwork.
Blacksmithery and goldsmithery, and other similar crafts have been long-standing subjects for legends and mysterious stories. Master craftsmen in these fields were believed to be almost wizard-like. Their creations were often described as magical, like the gift of a clairvoyant or the ability to kill someone with a single touch. This aura of mystery is not surprising because craftsmen always have kept their secrets zealously. Visitors usually were not allowed to view “the inviolable sanctuary” of their shops. By keeping the process of producing fine art out of the public's eye, these craftsmen have contributed to the mythical aura surrounding their work.
This article attempts to unveil some of these secrets and to describe how blacksmiths and jewelers have created their masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present times. Despite times of great technological progress as well as rapid changes in certain techniques and methods, these handcrafts have undergone much less change than other professions. At the same time, they have been perfected and improved significantly.
Please see more articles on fine arts and crafts below.