Richard Rohac Narwhal Letter Opener

A large and extremely rare letter opener in the shape of a stylized narwhal designed and made by Richard Rohac, Austria, circa 1950.

Like a metal art sculpture, this letter opener is one continuous piece of solid sand cast brass that showcases a brilliant blend of whimsy and elegance. With sleek flowing lines, and a wonderfully tactile three dimensionality, this letter opener fabulously captures both the essence of a narwhal and the aesthetic of mid-century modern design.

The narwhal’s body serves as the handle tapering into an elongated, gracefully curved, tusk for opening letters. Rohac’s talent for communicating the characteristics of animals with super subtle details is evident in the efficiency of line through the narwhal, and the choice to patinate and polish different areas of the design.

A delicate texture has been applied along the narwhal’s body. This filed surface lends the piece a lifelike quality, whilst staying true to its minimalist form, and grants a better canvas for the black patination. In contrast to the patinated body are the polished brass fins, tail, eye, and tusk. All these sections are the ‘action parts’ of the narwhal and their shiny surface alludes to the dynamism that they have.

Unsigned but featured in Rohac’s historic catalogue, this unique letter opener is not only a functional accessory but also a charming collectible that reflects the playful sophistication of postwar Austrian design in metal.