Price starts at $1500
My Urnes Dragons wall hangings add a feel of natural beauty, history, and Scandinavian tradition to any space. This design follows a wood carving decorating the doorway of a Norwegian stave church in Urnes, Norway. The church was built in the 1200s, but historians believe the carving was moved to that church when it was built. The carving itself is at least 400 years older. I have interpreted the carving into an inlay design that uses the same curving lines and biting serpent heads, but adds contrasting wood colors and striking epoxy resin accent lines. The result is a unique combination of an old tradition and modern materials.
Before Christianity took root, carvings like this were common on stave churches and on some of the larger buildings across Scandinavia. The shape and style of the dragon imagined here have inspired artists for generations.
The pieces pictured above are 14″x44″, and use four wood species for its color contrasts. I can adjust the size slightly to suit your space, but I try to preserve the shapes and curves of the original design by keeping the height-to-width ratio. I use many different wood species for the contrasting colors and grain patterns (notice the strong grain in these examples). I will give you a solid price once I understand the size and level of detail you want, but for reference, the pieces above would start at $1500.
WHEN ORDERING A WALL HANGING: There are many options to the design of these pieces, and it can seem overwhelming. Don’t worry – I don’t need you to work out every single detail. If you generally prefer lighter or darker woods, tell me that and I’ll find a color combination that suits you. If you know all about wood species, and have specific preferences, let me know. If you see a piece in my photo gallery that is almost exactly what you want, “but if you could just change this one little thing,” tell me and I can make it happen.
If you have any questions – about the woods, the epoxy colors, the finishes I use, the process, anything – email me at villandwoodshop@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!