From a Past Life

Today's Blip represents a glimpse into a Past Life; I was once a harpsichord maker. The Blip is a detail of the compass rose inlay (quite common in 18th century northern European furniture) on the cheek panel of an instrument I made in 1999. This harpsichord is a reproduction of an instrument which resides in Hamburg's Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe. The original was made by a Hamburg builder, Christian Zell, in 1728. Just three of his instruments survive.

The field material, keyboard endblocks and crossbanding are Cedar of Lebanon, the stringing is Macassar ebony and the rose itself is of Macassar ebony and holly. The little cast "artichoke" is one of the knobs by which the instrument's two keyboards are coupled together, and artistically a tip of the hat to German sensibilities. The original has turned ivory knobs.