Vintage Bronze Kalevala Koru Aurinkoleijona necklace.
The “Aurinkoleijona” (Finnish for Sun Lion) was created by Kalevala Koru to mark the company’s 60th anniversary. The pendant is inspired by a medieval relic container once attached to a silver cross pendant. On its lid, a lion is depicted with a flowing mane radiating outward like sunbeams, symbolizing both strength and protection.
Historical Background
The design is based on an archaeological treasure discovered in 1887 in Joensuu, Halikko, Finland. The find included early medieval silver objects, among them the original cross and its fittings. Kalevala Koru reinterpreted this historical motif into a modern piece of jewelry in 1997, launched on Kalevala Day.
Versions Produced
The Aurinkoleijona was made in both silver and bronze, with two sizes available. This piece represents the small bronze version, featuring a round pendant with a smooth, slightly concave reverse side.
Details
Why buy vintage jewelry by Kalevala Koru?
Since the 1930s, inspired by the finest examples of ancient Finnish, Scandinavian, and Karelian art found by archaeologists, Kalevala Koru crafted a large series of modernist bronze and silver jewelry. Today they are considered classics of Nordic design and Finnish design.
Kalevala Koru is one of the most famous jewelry companies in the Nordics.
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