Close-up of a handcrafted brass hinge finished with 23-carat gilding, mounted on the corner of a dark-green wooden presentation case by Kostylo Atelier.

Sculptural Brass Hinges and Clasps – Handcrafted Metalwork

From Brass Components to 23-Carat Gilded Fittings

The brass hinges and clasps are developed specifically for the wooden presentation cases accompanying objects created within Kostylo Atelier. Rather than relying on standard hardware, each fitting is conceived in relation to the proportions, construction and material character of its case.

The process begins with square brass rods, measured and cut into individual components. Their geometry is established through the relationship between the moving parts, fastening points and the surrounding wooden structure. Each element is prepared by hand before precision drilling and assembly.

Square brass rod and hand-cut components prepared for the fabrication of custom hinges and clasps at Kostylo Atelier.
Hand-cut brass hinge and clasp components arranged on a workshop table, ready for further machining and assembly at Kostylo Atelier. Kopiuj ALT

The prepared brass components undergo successive stages of marking, drilling and threading. Recesses for the fastening screws are formed with attention to alignment and fit, allowing the individual parts to operate within a precisely defined mechanical structure.

Brass hinge components arranged beside a metalworking vice and marking tool, ready for precision drilling at Kostylo Atelier.
Steel centre punch positioned on a brass hinge component secured in a metalworking vice to mark the drilling point.
Drill bit cutting a hole into a brass hinge component held in a machine vice, with metal shavings visible around the drilling point.
Stepped drill bit machining a recessed screw hole in a brass hinge component secured in a machine vice at Kostylo Atelier.
Hand threading a drilled hole in a brass hinge component secured in a metalworking vice using a tap and tap wrench.
Close-up of a steel tap positioned in a brass hinge component held in a vice during the manual threading process.
Following machining, the components are arranged and joined through silver soldering. The process establishes the structural continuity of each fitting while preserving the accuracy of its individual elements. The resulting assemblies form the basis for further hand-finishing.
Three fitted brass hinge assemblies arranged on a heat-resistant work surface before silver soldering at Kostylo Atelier.
Silver-soldered brass hinge components on a heat-resistant work surface, showing heat discolouration and soldering residue before hand-finishing.
Hand-fitted brass hinge and clasp components arranged in rows on a soldering work surface before silver soldering at Kostylo Atelier.
Silver-soldered brass hinge and clasp assemblies arranged on a work surface, showing heat discolouration and soldering residue before finishing.

After soldering, each fitting is refined through filing, grinding and repeated adjustment. The surfaces and junctions are worked by hand to resolve the transitions between components, while the relationship between the moving parts is carefully maintained.

Silver-soldered brass hinge component secured in a metalworking vice, with soldering residue visible before manual filing and surface refinement.
Hand-filed brass hinge component held in a metalworking vice, showing the refined flat surface and precisely shaped edges after soldering.
Handcrafted brass hinge with precisely fitted interlocking components, shown in its closed position after manual filing and surface refinement. Kopiuj ALT
Handcrafted brass hinge shown with its interlocking components separated, revealing the precisely fitted mechanical construction before polishing and gilding.
The brass surfaces are progressively refined with abrasives, including 800-grit paper, before polishing and preparation for gilding. This stage brings together surface precision and mechanical function, allowing the fittings to retain their geometric clarity without unnecessary ornament.

Finished with 23-carat gilding, the completed fittings become integral elements of the dark-green wooden presentation case. Their restrained geometry establishes a relationship between the metalwork and the architectural structure of the box.

The process reflects an approach in which even the smallest functional component is developed as part of the complete object, rather than treated as an interchangeable accessory.

Dark-green high-gloss wooden presentation case with two handcrafted brass clasps finished with 23-carat gilding by Kostylo Atelier.

The completed gilded fittings can also be seen as part of the presentation case created for Crowned Eagle – Figural Letter Opener. Explore the finished work in the Kostylo Atelier Portfolio.