Kalin & Ivo’s first entry into an international competition, this book is a manuscript on handmade paper, written with red ink and bound in crimson goatskin and silver gates, in which are set 12 rhodolite pink garnets. The doors open, revealing a gold design on the leather below. Additional tooling and clasps decorate the book further. The title is a tribute to author Emilian Stanev and his story about Nazarius.
Height 14 cm
Width 14 cm
Depth 3.5 cm
© All rights reserved
© All rights reserved
© All rights reserved
© All rights reserved
© All rights reserved
Kalin & Ivo Daskalov
- Stopan
- Bookbinding
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Master Artisan
- Recommended by Etar
Contact
Bulgarian, English
Address:
Chataldza 20, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
Chataldza 20, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
Hours:
By appointment only
By appointment only
Phone:
+359 877819905
+359 877819905
© All rights reserved
A Family of Craftsmen
- • Kalin & Ivo's studio is named Stopan after a figure from the Bulgarian folklore
- • They experiment with the decorative elements of books
- • They follow the traditions of old masters in bookbinding
Kalin and his father Ivo have always been surrounded by books. In 2018, Kalin was officially recognised as a master bookbinder by the Bulgarian National Craft Chamber. After entering the craft as a fulltime job, he invited his father, a silversmith, to join his practice. “I’m self-taught and owe most of my knowledge of the craft to old English handbooks from the 19th and 20th century”, says Kalin. He is fascinated by pre-printing press book structures and old bindings, made in monasteries by self-taught scribes. He incorporates much of these influences into his designs, but adds a contemporary twist. The son and father manage their studio Stopan working between their home workshops in Sofia and Pleven.
Read the full interviewWorks
Photo: © Kalin Daskalov
Fall of Nazarius
Photo: © Kalin Daskalov
Where the Leaves Fall
This binding was an experiment of going beyond function and using the silver fittings as a predominantly decorative expression, rather than a functional one. The headband is extended with its nine leather strips in a confusing way but otherwise not doing anything to hinder the usability of this sturdy piece of stationary.
Height 15 cm
Width 10.5 cm
Depth 4 cm
Photo: © Kalin Daskalov
Riddles Collection
This collection of six little books is a fusion of methodical construction and experimental design. The decoration on the leather is done with silver leaf and 23.5 carat gold leaf, firmly fixed with a lacquer technique to the surface. It was inspired by the free glazing method and technique of some Japanese and Korean potters.
Height 10.5 cm
Width 7.5 cm
Depth 3.5 cm
Photo: © Kalin Daskalov
Welkin Collection
Fitted with 950 silver corners and clasps and bound with three sets of double cords on their spines, this collection of three books is standing on the firm shoulders of traditional structures and decorative practices, while at the same time leaving space for more dynamic tooling patterns.
Height 15 cm
Width 10.5 cm
Depth 4.5 cm
Photo: © Kalin Daskalov
I am Far Away
This book was born from a fascination of primitive artworks, 15th century binding techniques and Kalin & Ivo’s own imagination of combining different materials. Paying homage to the sun, to their ancestors, it transports the viewer far away. The fittings are made with three layers, the first and last being sterling silver, while the centre is a thinned down ebony plank.
Height 15 cm
Width 10.5 cm
Depth 4 cm
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