Lot #4: Vintage Knut Paulsen Brutalist Bronze "Wheel" Brooch / Pendant – Norway, c. 1960s-1970s

This is an exceptional example of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modernist design. Crafted in Norway during the 1960s or 1970s, this heavy cast bronze brooch features a complex, openwork geometric "wheel" design. The piece perfectly encapsulates the Brutalist and abstract jewelry movements that flourished across the Nordic regions during this golden era of design. The face of the brooch highlights a web of open concentric rings layered beneath a radiating multi-spoke wheel. Raised, highly polished geometric squares anchor the intersections, contrasting beautifully with the raw, deeply textured, bark-like finish of the bronze framing. It features both a secure rollover safety pin mechanism to be worn as a brooch, and integrated bail structures hidden on the reverse side so it can seamlessly function as a statement necklace pendant. The reverse side carries a clear, authentic maker’s hallmark: stamped "Design Knut P." and "Norway". Collector’s Notes & SignificanceBrutalist Aesthetic: The combination of architectural geometry and heavily textured bronze finishes makes this style highly sought after by collectors of global mid-century modernism and Scandinavian design. Versatility: Dual-purpose wearable art pieces (functioning as both a brooch and a pendant) carry a higher demand on the secondary market because of their styling adaptability. Patina Preservation: The deep, warm, original age-toning gives the piece excellent visual contrast between its recessed, dark textures and highlighted polished accents. Knut Paulsen was a noted Norwegian studio jeweler operating primarily out of the mid-to-late 20th century. His work is famous for capturing raw, organic elements inspired by nature, traditional Nordic history, and the raw lines of the Brutalist art movement. Alongside other iconic Scandinavian modernists of the time like Pentti Sarpaneva and Else & Paul, Paulsen elevated bronze—often considered a humble metal—into highly sculptural, wearable fine art. Pickup category timeslot {A}