Joseph Kun: Master Craftsman and Innovator

JOSEPH KUN

Section 51S, Lot 578 

Born on April 13, 1930 in Czechoslovakia, Joseph Kun was a renowned craftsman known for creating violins and violin bows for international classical musicians, such as Janos Starker, Mischa Maisky and Mstislav Rostripovitch.

He came to Canada in 1968 and settled in Ottawa, where he opened his own shop. Kun was an accomplished luthier as well as a bow maker, and in addition to violins he crafted violas and violoncellos, and was also well known for his repair and restoration work. Valuable instruments, including Guarneris, Stradivaris and others were often sent to his workshop for delicate repairs.

Kun was also a master innovator; in 1972 he designed a shoulder-rest for violins that is now recognized world-wide as the best of its kind. Prior to his invention, there was no comparable product available, and violin and viola players often struggled to find solutions to the discomfort they experienced while playing their instruments.

Kun also co-authored the book The Art of Bow-Making, illustrating many of the techniques he developed throughout his career. In 1983, Kun’s bows won three gold medals and one silver medal at the biennial international competition for violin and bow makers. He is also credited with training.

Joseph Kun died in Ottawa on April 8, 1996