Emiel Aardewerk, antique dealer and jeweller in The Hague, brought along a group of people who take a year's course organized by the VHOK (the association of dealers in antique art). For this 'lesson' by silversmith Jan van Nouhuys he had with him a beautiful and representative collection of antique silver objects. These were put in the middle of the contemporary designs by Van Nouhuys in gallery STUDIO 925.
As soon as the question was asked to look for the relation between a 17th century beaker with engraving and one of the objects in the gallery, a lively discussion ensued about form and technique, function and artistic eloquence. While studying an 18th century basket by Reinier Brandt, Van Nouhuys explained the sequence of the various working methods used by Brandt. He then showed an object he has made in the opposite sequence of working, in order to obtain a specific artistic result.
After a thorough study of many objects the lecture continued in the workshop of Van Nouhuys. The 'students' were amazed at the relatively crude tools used for silversmithing, as it contrasts sharply with the refinement of silver through the ages. It also became clear that the silversmith has always been knowledgeable and skilful in more disciplines than just silversmithing, e.g. he had to work with wood and ivory. So it is not strange that Van Nouhuys works with these materials as well, of late in his Möbius rings.