Little Art Apples
Little art apples, that is what prayer nuts were called in the Middle Ages.
In a podcast by the Rijksmuseum, prayer nuts are examined and discussed through a magnifying glass. Via the link below the text you can hear Janine Abbring in conversation with sculpture curator Frits Scholten about how these tiny sculptures were made, by whom, and what they were used for. A report that takes you, for a moment, into the background, the history, the how, what and where of this deeply meaningful little work of art. It is so small that you could simply carry it in the palm of your hand or in your trouser pocket. At the Rijksmuseum you can admire two prayer nuts from its own collection.
Some 40 years ago I first came across the prayer nut at the Rijksmuseum. It has influenced the course of my life in a very special way. The prayer nut is an object in which several aspects come together: the history and content of Christianity, the superb craftsmanship of the woodworker and the goldsmith, its use by nobles and spiritual leaders, but also the solitary seeker who sought, and still seeks, silence and contemplation. When I realised how this small treasure connected me with believers of all ages, and in particular with the first believers, a dream awoke in me. To let others share in this, I began making prayer nuts myself. In researching and acquiring the skills to do so, I spent 15 years working as a jewellery maker. Working with silver, gold and precious stones follows the example of Exodus 31, through which I learn to work out of a sense of connection with the Creator.
Wiebe van Dingen
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Wat een mooi gesprek om te beluisteren over de gebedsnoten, zeg! Het blijft zo bijzonder hoeveel tijd ze vroeger konden steken in het maken van zo’n klein stukje kunst. Prachtig! Er komt een dag dat ik het toch ga proberen om er een te maken. Groet, Carlo.
Deze gebedsnoot raakt me. Ik hou van kleuren toch raakte het witte glas me. Moest denken aan reinheid en schittering. Terwijl ik dit nu typ bedenk ik dat mijn naam zoiets betekent. Direct even opgezocht en de betekenis is: Stralend en schitterend. Mooi toch. Ben er blij mee. Dank je wel, Wiebe! Warme groet, Bertine.