Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

Georg Jensen: a Danish silver circular bird and berries brooch, No. 53, designed by Johan Rohde, circa 1917, marks for 1915-1919, stamped ‘COPENHAGEN’ in oval punch with studded border, numbered ‘53’, diameter 56mm. £150-£200

Johan Rohde (1856-35) was a Danish artist, lithographer and designer. He was the first design collaboration that Georg Jensen made, and paved the way for many future collaborations which kept the company at the forefront of design throughout the 20th century . His collaboration started in 1906 when he commissioned Jensen to design some objects drawn by himself, for his own use. Jensen was impressed
with his work. Rohde also worked for other producers until Jensen secured exclusive contact in 1913. The collaboration continued until Rohde’s death in 1935, just a few months before Jensen died.

Rohde’s early designs incorporated an Art Nouveau influence with a more structured element, evolving later to a more Art Deco style.

This bird and berries design for brooch No 53 dates from 1917.