Description
VENETIA CHAIR
(88 cm x 45 cm x 42 cm, walnut wood, gilded with 22 karat gold)
In all
civilisations, the chair is something essential. It is a reflection of the
human body, in a sense another part of the human body. Every body has its own
shadow. The ancient Egyptians believed that the shadow was part of God. This
has been transmitted to all known civilisations, and it was also known to the
Slovenians as the imprint of man in materials, in wood, and then in a product
made after the body: it was not a chair for work, but for meditation. In this
sense, research into Egyptian culture and Tutankhamun has shown that this art
went beyond the image of the body into the spiritual world.
The Venetia
chair has not a single flat surface - it is like a sculpture. It draws on the
symbolism of Egyptian culture. The shape of the chair is partly an imprint of
the human body; the chair is therefore shaped like a human body. The seat has a
bulge in the middle of the front, which allows comfortable sitting in one
position only. This connection between left and right is in fact the union of
male and female in terms of spirit. This is how natural, simple forms are
brought together to form a whole. Form is energy, form is nature, nature is
God's creation.
Oskar Kogoj
designed the Venetia chair for the Italian company Tarpac Data International
back in 1987, when he added several new pieces to his Nature Design collection.
The company had previously been involved in the production of replicas of
medieval furniture in chestnut wood. When they met, Kogoj designed for them a
book on chestnut culture and a new trademark, the modernised ankh. On one of Oskar Kogoj's first visits to
Lucca, Tarcisio Pacini, the founder of Tarpac, suggested that he design a
chair. Kogoj was ready for this. He brought with him a miniature of the chair,
which he made by hand from walnut root. Pacini was instantly taken by what he
saw. He started work the same day and by the next day the first piece was
finished. The chairs were made in a factory in Brianza, a province near Milan
in Italy, where they had a pantograph machine that was used to rough the chair
and finish it by hand. They were sold all over the world.
Why plate items in gold? Because humans also have a little gold in their bodies.
What connects the individual human to their soul in the physical sense is gold.
This connection is ‘golden’. Unless one ‘gilds’ oneself spiritually, one cannot
come closer to God, to knowing oneself, to a deeper realisation that one is a
spiritual being. A spiritual being can only develop in a physical body.
The gilding technique used for the chair is one of the
oldest methods of applying pure 22 karat gold leaf, complemented by a special
brightening process and a final polishing and protection of the gold surface.
This method allows the three-dimensionality of the surfaces to be emphasised
and extremely fine details to be created.
The gilding process took place in several stages:
1. removing the varnish and preparing the wood;
2. preparation of the base – priming and smoothing with
progressively finer sandpaper until the surface is homogeneous and well
smoothed;
3. the layered application of clay – which on the one hand
has the function of a gilding adhesive and on the other hand allows different
tones of gilding to be applied. This time we used a red bolo coating for a
warmer gold tone;
4. gilding – using a soft brush, the bolo should be
moistened to make it ready for the application of the 22 karat gold leaf;
5. polishing to a high shine – once the gilding is
completely dry, the gilding must be polished with agate for the exceptional
shine, brilliance and smoothness that characterises gilding;
6. protection of the gilding – after the polishing stage is
complete, the gilding is varnished.
ONLY TWO PIECES AVAILABLE.
THE PRODUCT IS HAND GILDED WITH 22 KARAT GOLD.
THE ENERGY OF GOLDEN REFLECTION
The meaning of gold colour
The colour gold symbolises abundance, wealth, prestige, prosperity and luxury. It is the colour of success, achievements, triumph and optimism. It is associated with quality, prestige, sophistication and elegance. Gold attracts the eye and represents inspiration and the activation of spiritual energy. It can improve mental and physical health, while also lighting the way to future goals and bringing success, since it is associated with the energy of the sun and, in turn, with life energy, strength and self-confidence. It helps to achieve spiritual enlightenment and to gain knowledge and a deeper understanding of one’s own self and soul. It celebrates successes and motivates people to reach their potential. Gold is optimistic and positive, and adds richness and warmth to everything it is associated with, thus illuminating and enhancing other things around it as well. The colour gold increases passion and charisma, as well as compassion and understanding.
Gold is a sacred colour in both religious and magical contexts. It represents divine qualities, which is why many of the objects used in sacred rituals are made of gold or gold-coloured. It is associated with pre-eminence, has a frequency of higher protection, and signifies total integration and spiritual service.
Why plate items in gold? Because humans also have a little gold in their bodies. What connects the individual human to their soul in the physical sense is gold. This connection is ‘golden’. Unless one ‘gilds’ oneself spiritually, one cannot come closer to God, to knowing oneself, to a deeper realisation that one is a spiritual being. A spiritual being can only develop in a physical body.