Hans Hansen - Paper knife - Rio Palissanderhout





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Description from the seller
Hans Hansen – Rare rosewood letter opener with inlaid sterling silver – Danish Modern – ca. 1960
A special and elegant example of Danish Modern design: a sculptural letter opener crafted in beautiful dark rosewood with geometrically inlaid sterling silver, designed and produced by Hans Hansen, Kolding, Denmark.
Hans Hansen is one of the leading names in Danish silversmithing of the 20th century. In addition to jewelry and silverware, the workshop also produced exclusive functional and desk objects in which precious metal was combined with high-quality woods.
This letter opener is a wonderful example of that. The long, slender form gradually tapers to a rounded point and highlights the natural grain and warm reddish-brown hues of the rosewood.
Particularly attractive is the minimalist geometric inlay of sterling silver: two rectangular silver panels are connected by a long, narrow silver line. The sober geometry forms a strong contrast with the organic character of the dark wood and is characteristic of the refined Scandinavian design of this period.
An identical Hans Hansen model is documented as a “Letter knife in rosewood with silver inlay,” Danish Modern, circa 1960, with a length of 23.4 cm. Specialized Danish silver dealers also identify this model as Hans Hansen, rosewood with silver, with a similar example of 23 cm offered online on 1stDibs see the last photo.
The use of rosewood combined with inlaid sterling silver also recurs in other documented Hans Hansen objects from the 1960s, including luxury boxes and desk accessories, designed and manufactured by Hans Hansen in Kolding.
Details
Designer / maker: Hans Hansen
Studio: Hans Hansen, Kolding
Origin: Denmark
Period: circa 1960s
Style: Danish Modern / Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern
Object: letter opener / lettre knife / brevkniv
Material: rosewood with inlaid sterling silver
Signature: not visibly present but signed all over
Although this piece does not show a visible signature or factory mark, the design is well documented and its form and distinctive silver inlay correspond to known Hans Hansen exemplars.
Dimensions: Length: 23.4 cm x Width: 2.0 cm
Weight: 22 grams
Condition
The letter opener is in a beautiful authentic vintage condition, with minor signs of age and use appropriate to its age. The rosewood has a beautiful deep color and natural grain. See the photos for a good impression of the condition.
A refined and functional Danish design object that today also serves very well as a decorative desk piece. Especially appealing to collectors of Hans Hansen, Danish silversmithing, and Scandinavian Modern design.
This item will be carefully and safely packed for smart shipping, sent via registered mail and insured with Track & Trace.
Seller's Story
Hans Hansen – Rare rosewood letter opener with inlaid sterling silver – Danish Modern – ca. 1960
A special and elegant example of Danish Modern design: a sculptural letter opener crafted in beautiful dark rosewood with geometrically inlaid sterling silver, designed and produced by Hans Hansen, Kolding, Denmark.
Hans Hansen is one of the leading names in Danish silversmithing of the 20th century. In addition to jewelry and silverware, the workshop also produced exclusive functional and desk objects in which precious metal was combined with high-quality woods.
This letter opener is a wonderful example of that. The long, slender form gradually tapers to a rounded point and highlights the natural grain and warm reddish-brown hues of the rosewood.
Particularly attractive is the minimalist geometric inlay of sterling silver: two rectangular silver panels are connected by a long, narrow silver line. The sober geometry forms a strong contrast with the organic character of the dark wood and is characteristic of the refined Scandinavian design of this period.
An identical Hans Hansen model is documented as a “Letter knife in rosewood with silver inlay,” Danish Modern, circa 1960, with a length of 23.4 cm. Specialized Danish silver dealers also identify this model as Hans Hansen, rosewood with silver, with a similar example of 23 cm offered online on 1stDibs see the last photo.
The use of rosewood combined with inlaid sterling silver also recurs in other documented Hans Hansen objects from the 1960s, including luxury boxes and desk accessories, designed and manufactured by Hans Hansen in Kolding.
Details
Designer / maker: Hans Hansen
Studio: Hans Hansen, Kolding
Origin: Denmark
Period: circa 1960s
Style: Danish Modern / Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern
Object: letter opener / lettre knife / brevkniv
Material: rosewood with inlaid sterling silver
Signature: not visibly present but signed all over
Although this piece does not show a visible signature or factory mark, the design is well documented and its form and distinctive silver inlay correspond to known Hans Hansen exemplars.
Dimensions: Length: 23.4 cm x Width: 2.0 cm
Weight: 22 grams
Condition
The letter opener is in a beautiful authentic vintage condition, with minor signs of age and use appropriate to its age. The rosewood has a beautiful deep color and natural grain. See the photos for a good impression of the condition.
A refined and functional Danish design object that today also serves very well as a decorative desk piece. Especially appealing to collectors of Hans Hansen, Danish silversmithing, and Scandinavian Modern design.
This item will be carefully and safely packed for smart shipping, sent via registered mail and insured with Track & Trace.

