5 Ways To Say I Love You: From Origami To Spoons
We had so much fun during the initial design phase of our Love Tokens, researching the history and symbolism behind these unique and often impromptu objects - which were offered as a sign of affection as well as being a lasting memento. We loved the idea that they were usually a pocket-sized or paper item and wanted to carry on - into the 21st century - the tradition behind these personalised gifts.
“
UNIVERSAL SYMBOLS
OF LOVE
”
Love Tokens have been popular for centuries, in many different guises, and from around the world, from Welsh love spoons to humble coins. All were designed to include universal symbols of love, ingeniously fashioned from everyday small objects or paper ephemera, as a declaration of love.
Traditionally, they would have been given throughout the year, when someone was travelling, setting sail, being imprisoned or, on a lighter note, just as a way for a secret admirer to show their love. Nowadays, around Valentine’s Day, they make the perfects gift for him or for her.
Here are a few of our favourites…
18th-century puzzle purse love token. Harvard University, Houghton Library.
NINETEENTH CENTURY PUZZLE PURSES
Puzzle purses were commonly handmade using a paper-based style of origami. Due to their popularity in the Georgian and Victorian era, they became highly decorative, covered entirely in the symbolism and poetic words of love. These love tokens often incorporated numerous techniques such as paper cutting, watercolour illustrations, handwritten calligraphy and delicate folds which open in sequence to reveal a love note.
James Godfrey and Hannah Jones token. National Museum of Australia.
COIN LOVE TOKENS
The most traditional style of Love Token, standing the test of time. More often than not beginning life as common old coins, they are taken out of circulation, smoothed down and then manipulated, before being handed over, adorned with their own message or the name of a loved one.
Born out of the idea of a ‘lucky coin’, the majority of Coin Love Tokens have an upward bend, identifiable just by touch in a pocket; a simple object carried about the person at all times, as an ever-present reminder of a loved one - unless however, they were spent by accident!
Some of the most beautiful examples of these Love Tokens were coins given by British men prior to being sent to penal colonies in Australia.
Hand coloured, engraved rebus puzzle from 19th century. John Johnson Collection at the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford
VALENTINES REBUS PUZZLES
Something a little different, but certainly created in the same vein as these other highly personalised tokens of love, are the more ephemeral Rebus Puzzles. Popular throughout Victorian England, they were a cryptic, and more playful way, to profess your love. In today’s age of aubergine emoji’s, they may appear closer in appearance to a WhatsApp message that to the Egyptian hieroglyphic text they imitated; but to us, they are the perfect example of personalised stationery, standing the test of time…
Lovespoons with balls carved in cages. National Museum of Wales.
WELSH LOVE SPOONS
These hand carved, ornamental objects were created by young men to pronounce their love. Spoons perfectly symbolised their wish to support and traditionally ‘provide’ for their loved one and would become a decorative item within the home, after marriage. Love Spoons were common throughout Wales in 17th and 18th century and have had a bit of a revival during the past few decades, becoming a popular Valentine’s Day gift or even a present for Christenings, Birthdays or House Warmings.
ANOTHER LOOP LOVE TOKENS
Our contemporary revivals incorporate elements from Love Tokens and paper ephemera from across the centuries. Drawing upon Greco-Roman symbolism, while also embracing our inner sailor, we have incorporated folding techniques and personalisation, using elegant modern calligraphy and romantic motifs to create thoughtful gestures, for the receiver to treasure for years to come.
The results - two unique keepsakes in our Origami Love Token and Calligraphy Love Token.
