A Brief History on Celtic Artwork
Celtic Artwork has been thousands of years in the making. It evolved from the roots of metalworking and took form in many ways over time, usually to tell stories over spirituality. Celtic artwork was always highly valued as craftsmen and artists would take special care into creating meaningful patterns, a lot of which are carried onto this day. Many different forms of art are found within Celtic cultures, and all are equally a part of aincient European history.
Spirals
Spirals were one of the first pieces of artwork that came out of eras like the Bronze Age. Usually formed by carving into rock or metal, spirals were indicative of spiritual beings, like gods or goddesses, as well as elemental designs. These patterns were usually symmetrical in two or three. Later in time, these designs were associated with the belief of different planes, such as a belief in both spiritual and natural worlds and their interconnectivity. Some of the more famous works are the Tri-skell, Two Spirals, or Seven Spirals designs.
Key Pattens
It was said that a key pattern would be as if you took a spiral pattern and modified it to use only sharp angles. These patterns were created of one line unbroken, as a symbol of protection. While the Celts used 45 and 90 degree patterns, artistic splits would occur in Greco-Roman art to only use 90 degrees. Symmetry in this form usually was bilateral, reflecting the image on two sides. As the work continued to evolve, complex structures would be formed. Good examples of this artwork would be the Restan, Occian and Aisling Cross designs.
Knotwork
As the Celts evolved, the basis of the Celtic Knot began to take form. Often associated with the idea of infinity, Celtic knotwork used one or two lines that interlocked, uninterrupted. These patterns were symmetrical in threes or fours. Many people refer to these as general "infinity knots", but more common knotwork often became associated with people or ideas. Some of the most popular knots we have are the Lover's Knot, the Bealin Knot and the Tyrone Knot.
Zoomorphics
Said to be some of the latest styles of work attributed to the Celts, Zoomorphics are animal patterns. These patterns are more freeform, found in aincient manuscript in ink and velum. These beasts are often associated with mystical or religious figures, occasionally embodying traits that the animals were said to represent. These patterns bordered and embellished other artwork and design. Larger art led to more detail, but these could appear smaller than an inch in their first iteration. Good examples of these would be the Two Swans, Three Lions, and the Bearded Men.
Celtic artwork has been more associated with the cultures of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, but it's influence can be found around the world, and shares artistic similarity with other cultures. We hope that you enjoy our jewelery as a continuation of Celtic artwork thoughout many, many generations.