Corbel Ring
bronze, sterling silver
4 x 0.75 x 1.25 in.
Corbels are architectural details: a type of bracket of solid wood or metal jutting out from a wall to support the weight of an overhanging component. The exterior corbels of Providence contain a profound amount of acanthus leaves. Though there are several styles, many depict a flat acanthus leaf that flows along the curve of the corbel. A synthesis of the many acanthus corbels of Providence, the ring takes the circular ends of the corbel’s curve as the rings for the pointer and pinky fingers. The flat silver leaf of the ring, along with the diagonal curve, make room for the middle and ring fingers. This object decorates that part of us which holds. Corbel Ring amplifies the strength of the hand. What makes us human very well may be our ability to manipulate the world around us—to hold our tools. This ring, then, is our bracket of support. Or perhaps, in a pinch, it’s just an overdecorated set of brass knuckles.