Brazilian Handcrafted Bows
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  Brief History of Brazilian Bowmaking

Pau Brazil wood exudes a powerful dye, driving exports from the province of
Pernambuco in Brasil to France for centuries.  Around 1786,  Françoise Xavier
Tourte (1747-1835) introduced Pau Brazil as a bow wood and its common name
followed that of its source: Pernambuco.  Exports of raw wood continued to fuel the
ateliers and factories of Europe during the long and long and quite interesting
evolution of modern bows and the modern bow trade.  

That raw material suppliers get a fairly small amount of the ultimate purchase price
for most items did not escape the attention of Horst John, the German-born founder
of Brazilian bowmaking.  
His firm began in 1951 as a precious wood export
business.   Beginning around 1970, Horst John started converting his operations to
bowmaking.  His makers trained in Europe in the traditional manner.  The company
remains the cornerstone of the Brazilian bow industry.  Horst John’s
highly detailed
classification of Pau Brazil wood is of more than academic interest.  Bowmakers –
most initially trained at Horst John – eventually broke off from that company to found
or work for other ateliers.  

Water Violet Bows.  Founded in 1994 by Renato Cesar Casara, Water Violet now
employs 38 professionals including 10 master bowmakers.  They produce about 450
bows each month.  We like the individual character and branding of the Water Violet
bows.  Great wood, great bows.

Arcos Brasil.  Celso de Mello and Floriano Schaeffer started Arcos Brasil in 1996
after leaving Horst John.  We appreciate the support the company gives for makers
to develop their own distinctive styles and qualities.  These are among the most
interesting affordable bows we carry.

Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions about Brazilian bows, to inquire about custom
orders, or to help you select a fine bow from our stock
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  Bow Information

Bow Observations
History of Brazilian Bowmaking
Pernambuco
Bow and Pernambuco Links
Bows at Gianna Violins
     
     
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