Joseph Kun Estate — Highly Figured Maple Violin Back Plate (Two-Piece, Partially Carved)
We are pleased to offer a beautifully figured maple violin back plate sourced from the Estate of Joseph Kun (Ottawa, Ontario) — one of Canada’s most respected and influential 20th-century violin makers.
This plate was originally acquired at the Joseph Kun estate auction by a Toronto-area luthier (Filip Tomov) and later purchased from that workshop. It represents authentic workshop tonewood stock from Kun’s personal inventory.
We are pleased to offer a beautifully figured maple violin back plate sourced from the Estate of Joseph Kun (Ottawa, Ontario) — one of Canada’s most respected and influential 20th-century violin makers.
This plate was originally acquired at the Joseph Kun estate auction by a Toronto-area luthier (Filip Tomov) and later purchased from that workshop. It represents authentic workshop tonewood stock from Kun’s personal inventory.
Description
Instrument: Violin (4/4)
Component: Back plate
Construction: Two-piece, bookmatched
Wood: Highly figured maple (European tonewood grade)
Figure: Very strong, even horizontal flame across both halves
Cut: Quartered
Arching: Fully established with clean recurve and balance
Edgework: Channel cut; edge thickness defined
Purfling: Channel present; purfling not yet installed
Stage: Partially carved — exterior shaping complete; interior hollowing and graduation remain
Condition: Excellent structural condition
This back plate features exceptionally strong, consistent flame and an even bookmatch across the joint. The outline and arching have been cleanly formed and the edge channel laid in, providing a solid foundation for final graduation and tonal tuning by the maker. Interior work remains for the builder to complete according to individual preference. Four small locating holes are present near the center joint from workshop layout — typical of bench marking and not structural defects.
Instrument: Violin (4/4)
Component: Back plate
Construction: Two-piece, bookmatched
Wood: Highly figured maple (European tonewood grade)
Figure: Very strong, even horizontal flame across both halves
Cut: Quartered
Arching: Fully established with clean recurve and balance
Edgework: Channel cut; edge thickness defined
Purfling: Channel present; purfling not yet installed
Stage: Partially carved — exterior shaping complete; interior hollowing and graduation remain
Condition: Excellent structural condition
This back plate features exceptionally strong, consistent flame and an even bookmatch across the joint. The outline and arching have been cleanly formed and the edge channel laid in, providing a solid foundation for final graduation and tonal tuning by the maker. Interior work remains for the builder to complete according to individual preference. Four small locating holes are present near the center joint from workshop layout — typical of bench marking and not structural defects.
Model / Style
Model: Classical Cremonese — Stradivari-influenced (exact template undocumented; no guarantee)
The outline proportions, balanced bout shapes, and moderate corner treatment on this plate are consistent with a classical Cremonese violin model reflecting Stradivari influence. However, no documentation accompanies the plate confirming a specific historical template or maker pattern. Therefore, while stylistically reminiscent of Stradivari-type proportions, the precise model cannot be guaranteed.
Model: Classical Cremonese — Stradivari-influenced (exact template undocumented; no guarantee)
The outline proportions, balanced bout shapes, and moderate corner treatment on this plate are consistent with a classical Cremonese violin model reflecting Stradivari influence. However, no documentation accompanies the plate confirming a specific historical template or maker pattern. Therefore, while stylistically reminiscent of Stradivari-type proportions, the precise model cannot be guaranteed.
Provenance
This back plate originates from the Estate of Joseph Kun, Ottawa, Ontario. Kun was internationally respected for his craftsmanship and for his careful selection of tonewood. Workshop material from his estate is sought after by contemporary violin makers and restoration workshops.
This back plate originates from the Estate of Joseph Kun, Ottawa, Ontario. Kun was internationally respected for his craftsmanship and for his careful selection of tonewood. Workshop material from his estate is sought after by contemporary violin makers and restoration workshops.
Ideal For
- Professional violin makers
- Advanced luthiers
- Restoration workshops
- Custom violin builds
- Collectors of historical workshop material
- Professional violin makers
- Advanced luthiers
- Restoration workshops
- Custom violin builds
- Collectors of historical workshop material
Notes
This plate is offered as an unfinished workshop component. While it comes from the Joseph Kun estate, it cannot be attributed to having been personally carved by Kun himself.
JK-002
This plate is offered as an unfinished workshop component. While it comes from the Joseph Kun estate, it cannot be attributed to having been personally carved by Kun himself.
JK-002