Eternal Guardians
The Eternal Guardians is the first in a series of Limited Edition Bronze Heirloom StrongBoxes that were conceived, designed and created through a collaboration of Michael T. Nicolaou, Ronnie Frostad and Frostad Atelier www.frostadatelier.com. This magnificent sculpture is cast in art quality bronze utilizing old world traditions and time-honored practices of the lost wax process. Sculpted by Ronnie and finished by Csaba Letay and other select artisans from the foundry, each safe is individually signed and numbered following patina and the final inspection to insure that it meets the standards set by Mike and Ronnie. The Z Nico and Frostad Atelier hallmarks insure that this is the finest quality bronze Heirloom StrongBox made anywhere in the world.
The Dragon is the mightiest and most revered creature of Asian mythology. It is associated with luck and is believed to be the protector of wealth, health, home and office. The Dragon with five claws was a symbol of the Emperor of China and for many years it was forbidden for Chinese citizens to associate themselves with the Dragon. The Imperial Dragon or Lung, is the primary of four benevolent spiritual animals (the phoenix, unicorn and tortoise are the other three). The Dragon denotes success and enhances career prospects and prosperity. It has an unlimited range of supernatural powers and represents all that is right.
The Manchu people considered the Tiger as Hu Lin, the king. The ethereal dignity of this animal reflects the fierceness and courage of a soldier and warrior. Its image was painted on temples and sanctuary walls during the Shogun dynasty of Japan to frighten away evil spirits and demons. In Imperial China, the Tiger was the personification of war and was the depiction for the highest ranking army generals and elite forces. The royal grace of this animal is admired in many ways in many cultures.
Another theme found on the Eternal Guardians is balance. Along with the representation of spirit and matter from the Dragon and Tiger, this can be seen in the sun/moon, day/night, water/earth and Yin/Yang motifs of the sculpture. The custom key design connects these elements around the chest, from side to side and top to bottom. Numerology was also a consideration when adding stars, clouds and other little surprises. Odd numbers are found throughout the Heirloom StrongBox.
The first artist proof of the Eternal Guardians took a year to complete, each subsequent chest will require eight weeks worth of work by the skilled artisans at the foundry. Unlike a typical bronze sculpture that goes through the process of casting, finishing and patina, the Z Nico Heirloom StrongBox has the added engineering, and fabrication requirements associated with opening, closing and locking the case. That added dimension of creating a usable interior is very labor intensive and requires skilled and knowledgeable artisans to complete. The massive weight of the base and lid also required special design elements to insure stability and safety.
The Eternal Guardians weighs in excess of 90 lbs. and measures 18"x14"x10.5" (Width x Depth x Height). The container insert, which is also made of solid art quality bronze, weighs 20 lbs. and is 13.5"x8.5"x5”. Custom pen and jewelry trays are available. Optional handle choices are of the dragon's claw, tiger's tail or sun and moon. The heavy weight and solid construction of the locked Heirloom StrongBox transforms it into a safe for the valuables kept inside.
The timeless symbolism and beautiful art of the Eternal Guardians is certain to become a valued treasure that will appreciate in value as it is passed forward from generation to generation.
