Silver Sculptures
to
92
616
58
21
25
100
491
79
99
132
162
20
7
6
17
11
11
34
79
31
21
89
49
39
33
11
11
8
7
6
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
27,626
18,296
10,616
9,820
8,343
349
307
504
179
106
80
72
Height
to
Width
to
695
684
689
20
13
7
7
7
Material: Silver
Stuart Devlin Silver Gilt Novelty Egg with Humming Bird
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A highly collectable and delightful silver gilt novelty egg containing a hummingbird by renowned silversmith and artist Stuart Devlin (Australian, 1931-2018) and dated 1977.
Stuart D...
Category
1970s Australian Modern Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Sterling Silver Rose
Located in Milan, IT
At once symbolic and ornamental, the deft workmanship of the Florentine silversmith workshop Lisi Brothers achieves a life-likeness in this elegant sterling silver rose. The flower i...
Category
2010s Italian Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Armadillo Sterling Silver Lighter
Located in Milan, IT
Playful true-to-life silver armadillo that serves as a lighter other than being a decorative artwork in its own right. Expertly made by the Florentine...
Category
2010s Italian Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Art Deco “Horse”, silver-plated metal and marble, Boris Lovet-Lorski
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind sculpture by renowned artist Boris Lovet-Lorski, depicting a majestic horse in a completely stylized pose, with elongated shapes and gentle curves. The legs are simple...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Metal, Silver Plate
1960s Seashell Sculpture On Stand
Located in Tarrytown, NY
This 1960s Seashell Sculpture features a crowned Baeler melon seashell
The melon shell has a distinctive crown of spines that circles around the apex of the shell
Curved metal detai...
Category
1960s Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate
High-Spire Seashell with Sterling Silver Overlay
By Buccellati
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage silvered sea shell.
Comprising a high spire sea shell with silver overlay throughout.
In the style of Ruzzetti & Gow or Buccellati.
The ...
Category
20th Century Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Ila Sterling Silver Frog
Located in Milan, IT
Intricate workmanship imbues this decorative piece with a life of its own. Crafted from sterling silver by Florentine silversmith house Lisi Brothers, this statuette is chiseled and ...
Category
2010s Italian Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
A Large Buccellati Silver Model of a Realistic Lobster
Located in New York, NY
A Large Buccellati Italian Silver Model of a Realistic Lobster
Expertly crafted to capture the essence of the real lobster, this model features exquisite detailing and lifelike realism.
Every segment of the lobster is intricately designed, showcasing Buccellati’s renowned artistry. The model boasts realistically textured surfaces that reflect the natural beauty of the Caribbean spiny lobster. The antennae are articulated and detachable, adding an extra layer of sophistication and realism to the piece.
Featured in Architectural Digest By Hannah Martin, May 6, 2024:
"The Buccellati Lobster Is the Surreal Icon We Need Right Now
Can any object elevate a tablescape quite like a sterling silver crustacean?"
Marked M. Buccellati and 800 on back of tail.
9” high x 16” wide x 6" wide
Very good condition, ready to place. A fun and unique piece, - very attractive.
*See our other listings for another, larger Buccellati silver...
Category
20th Century Italian Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Italian Silver Gilt Pheasant Birds, Pair
Located in New York, NY
An Italian pair of silver-plate pheasant bird sculptures decorative objects, circa early to mid-20th century, Italy. The birds, male and female, are beautifully cast with fine detai...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Chilean Metal Huasos Spurs
Located in Stamford, CT
Early 20th century Chilean huasos metal spurs. Heavy silvered metal stamped Chile on the side. As found with grosgrain ribbon attached.
Category
Early 20th Century Chilean Spanish Colonial Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver
Pair of Vintage Silver Plate Fighting Cock / Rooster Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
A well made pair of vintage silver plate fighting cock / rooster sculptures, circa 1970s. The set is in very good vintage condition with a nice patina and measures 10"W x 5"D x 7"H....
Category
20th Century American American Classical Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate
Set of Two French Silver Peacock bird sculptures
Located in Rümmingen, BW
"shipping note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options please contact us directly"
A set of two charming peacock bird sculptures made from a base metal w...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Large Bertoia Studios 12-Rod 'Time-Change through Sound B-2348' Brass Sculpture
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 12-rod 'Time-Change Through sound B-2348' brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son of the original designer, Harry Bertoia. Hand made at the original Bertoia...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Brass, Copper
Roy Lichtenstein "Modern Head" Brooch/ Pendant, Sterling & Enamel, 1968
Located in New York, NY
"It's the kind of art you hang on you, not on a wall."
Roy Lichtenstein "Modern Head" Brooch/ Pendant. Sterling Silver and Enamel. C. 1968. Made by Multiples Inc., NYC. Overall gre...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Enamel, Sterling Silver
Antique Altar Crucifix Detailed Silvered Bronze Sculpture of Christ & Monstrance
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique table crucifix and a wonderful work of religious art.
For us the most powerful statement will always be 'the truth will set you free'. It is what we have learned most from th...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Gothic Revival Antique Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Bronze
Antique Pair of Silver Peacock Stand, Decoration Object for Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
A Pair of Artistically created birds for table decor, silver-plated peacocks - ideal for a coffee table or bookends. These figures are Classic Hollywood Regency! They are each unique...
Category
1940s Danish Hollywood Regency Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Large Silver Peacock Stand, Antique Pair of Decoration Object Home Decor Bird
Located in Wembley, GB
A Pair of large, artistically created birds for table decor and silver-plated peacocks are ideal for a coffee table, sideboards, or bookends. These figures are Classic Hollywood Rege...
Category
1930s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Sheet Metal
Sterling silver model of a hare made in 1972 by A. E. Jones
By A.E. Jones
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1972 by A. E. Jones, this charming, Elizabeth II period, Sterling Silver Model of a Hare, is realistically cast. The hare model measures 4"(10cm) tall, by...
Category
1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Victorian Wide Scroll Twist Design Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver Cuff
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful Victorian-style bracelet cuff. All in sterling silver haute couture - iconic. This piece is not only a ready-to-wear creation but also the most dynamic piece of modern scul...
Category
1960s American Victorian Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of heavy cast sterling silver partridge models made in 1999 by C. J. Vander
By C.J. Vander
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1999 by C. J. Vander, this charming pair of Elizabeth II, Sterling Silver Partridges, are handsomely cast and hand finished. The pair together weigh a subs...
Category
1990s English Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Chinese Silver Gilt and Enamel Peacock
Located in Riverdale, NY
Antique Chinese Silver Gilt and Enamel Peacock from the 1940's on hand carved wood stand. Delicately constructed of vermeil sterling with colorf...
Category
1940s Chinese Chinese Export Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique Sliver Ring Holder Swann Birds Decorative Jewellery Organiser Home Décor
Located in Wembley, GB
Add a touch of vintage charm to your jewellery collection with this beautiful swan ring holder. Crafted from high-quality metal with silver plating, it is the perfect addition to any...
Category
1960s British Art Deco Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver Leaf, Sheet Metal, Sterling Silver, Silver Plate
Antique Sliver Ring Holder Swann Birds Decorative Jewellery Organiser Home Décor
Located in Wembley, GB
Add a touch of vintage charm to your dinner table with this beautiful swan napkin holder. Crafted from high-quality metal with silver, it is the perfect addition to any home decor. T...
Category
1960s British Art Deco Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Sheet Metal, Silver Leaf
20th Century Made in Italy Sterling Silver Horse and Knight Armour
Located in VALENZA, IT
Horse in black lacquered resin with a sterling silver armor with Russian 14th century knight in sterling silver armor with golden and enameled details.
Category
1980s Italian Medieval Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Pair of Silver Rooster Stand, Decoration for Home Décor, Animal Figure
Located in Wembley, GB
A Pair of Artistically created birds for table decor, silver-plated roosters - ideal for a coffee table or bookends. These figures are Classic Hollywood Regency! They are each unique...
Category
1940s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Antique Pair of Small Silver Peacock Stand, Decoration Object for Home Décor
Located in Wembley, GB
A Pair of Artistically created birds for table decor, small silver-plated peacocks - ideal for a coffee table or bookends. These figures are Classic Hollywood Regency! They are each ...
Category
1940s Danish Hollywood Regency Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Silver Plate Bowl with Toucans by Los Castillo
By Los Castillo
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout Mid-Century Modern bowl hand crafted with silver plate on hammered copper in a ten bulb bowl form featuring stylized toucans as handles. Signed Los ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate, Copper
20th Century Italian Silver 800 and Ebony "Benvenuto Cellini Salt Cellar"Replica
Located in VALENZA, IT
Fantastic reproduction of the famous saltcellar of Benvenuto Cellini, symbol of the world goldsmith's art.
The master goldsmith made only very few copies of this wonderful object that makes it a unique piece in the world.
6.641 grams of solid silver.
Some information on the original piece by Benvenuto Cellini:
The Cellini Salt...
Category
1980s Italian Renaissance Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Large Bertoia Studios 24-Rod 'Star of Sound / B-2482' Copper & Brass Sculpture
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 24-rod 'Star of Sound B-2482' copper & brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son of the original designer, Harry Bertoia. Hand made at the original Bertoia...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Brass, Copper
Very Large Renaissance Revival Silver Gilt and Enamel Sculpture by Böhm
By Hermann Böhm
Located in London, GB
Very large Renaissance Revival silver gilt and enamel sculpture by Böhm
Austrian, c. 1880
Height 68cm, width 42cm, depth 29cm
This stunning sculpture, created around 1880 by Herman...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Renaissance Revival Antique Silver Sculptures
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Vermeil, Silver, Enamel
Pair of Murano Glass and Sterling Silver Musical Clowns by Vittorio Angini
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of Murano glass and sterling silver musical clowns by Vittorio Angini, charming set with stunning detail, retain original silver plaque signatures a...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
High-Spire Seashell with Sterling Silver Overlay
By Buccellati
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage silvered sea shell.
Comprising a high spire sea shell with silver overlay throughout.
In the style of Ruzzetti & Gow or Buccellati.
The ...
Category
20th Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
"Standing peacock" Antique silver plated, Decorative animal object , home decor
Located in Wembley, GB
Majestic and regal, this standing silver-plated peacock exudes elegance and grace.
The impressionistic treatment of surface texture refers to the clay from which it was crafted. si...
Category
1910s Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate
Antique Silvered Cast Iron Victorian Door Stop Duke of Wellington Irish Interest
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stylish and quite rare heavy gauge silvered chisel Cast Iron Victorian Door Stop of exceptional quality, last half of the Nineteenth Century of English origin.
Depicting a standing pose of an Irishman the Duke of Wellington in full uniform attire, holding a sword and standing on a magnificent, stepped platform with a ball foot at each corner.
Condition: Good overall condition, with no restoration anywhere, professionally re-silvered by our restorers in London. Doorstop is constructed by bolting together in three areas, see image. Casting is exceptional, study face area.
Height: (entire as per image one) 14.75" (37.5cm). Width: (at base area). 6.5" (16.5cm). Depth: (at base) 3.25” (8.25cm).
Location: Dublin City, Ireland.
Affordable fixed charge Worldwide Store to door shipping offered by Seller.
Arthur Wellesley 1st Duke of Wellington is today more famous as a soldier than as a politician. In fact, as the Prime Minister, he was known for his measures to repress reform, and his popularity sank a little during his time in office. The Duke of Wellington was born in Dublin to the Earl and Countess of Mornington.
A leading political and military figure of the 19th century, the Duke of Wellington is best remembered for his defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo in 1815. As a general, he was renowned for his stunning defensive skills. His battle plans...
Category
19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Silver Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Silver Plate
Renato Bertelli Sculpture / Desk Paperweight, 1930´s
By Renato Giuseppe Bertelli 1
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Very rare Modernist Wooden Sculpture / Desk Paperweight.
Designed in 1930´s by Renato Bertelli
Futurist Benito Mussolini shadow Sculpture. The I is made of silver and marked R. G. B....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Andreas von Zadora Canadian (Born 1957) Lapidary Labradorite Sculpture Pr. Owls
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof, Canadian (Born 1957). Sculptured pair of Labradorite owls with glass eyes set in 18K yellow gold, silver vermeil legs and...
Category
1990s Silver Sculptures
Materials
Gold, Silver
High-Spire Seashell with Sterling Silver Overlay
By Buccellati
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage silvered sea shell.
Comprising a Tibia Fusus sea shell with silver overlay throughout.
The elongated point of the shell and the terminal tip both fully cased in silver, and there is silver overlay in the recesses of each spiral.
In the style of Ruzzetti...
Category
20th Century Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Dansk International Designs Ltd. Small sculpture of rabbit in plated silver.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Dansk International Designs Ltd.
Small sculpture of rabbit in plated silver.
Rare sculpture, sold to Japan.
1970s.
Marked.
In excellent condition.
Dimensions: L 6.0 cm x H 4.0 cm.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate
Gabriella Crespi Pheasant Sculpture, Italy, 1970
Located in Naples, IT
Rare pheasant sculpture signed Gabriella Crespi with a murano glass egg, made in Italy, in the 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate
Penshell and Silvered Bronze Turtle Sculpture
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A beautiful silvered bronze and a faux tortoiseshell made from penshell table top sculpture, mid to late 1970s. Beautifully made and super stylish, and ...
Category
1970s French Modern Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Bronze
20th Century Italian Pure 970 Silver Duck with golden beak and paws
Located in VALENZA, IT
Pure silver duck made with the lost wax technique.
The duck was made with the "lost wax" technique which allows the creation of a specific item very close to "pure silver."
This tech...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Other Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
The Frog Sterling Silver Lighter
Located in Milan, IT
Playful true to life silver frog that serves as a lighter other than being a decorative piece of artwork. Expertly handmade by the Florentine silversmiths, the Lisi Brothers, its rea...
Category
2010s Italian Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
An Exquisite French Silver and Malachite Bust of Napoleon, By Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite French Silver and Malachite Bust of Napoleon, By Emile Pinedo
This exquisite French silver and malachite bust of Napoleon, masterfully crafted by the esteemed sculptor ...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Silver Sculptures
Materials
Malachite, Sterling Silver
Pair of Silvered Wooden Reliquaries from France, Circa 1750
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of silvered wooden reliquaries are from France, circa 1750. The backs are still preserved by wax seals, indicating that the relics were never removed.
Each reliquary has...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
18th Century Italian Silver and Gold Crucifix with Mica and Calcite Crystal
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
18th century Italian silver and gold leaf crucifix adorned with baroque pearls and mounted on a mica cluster and a calcite crystal. The mica specimen is from the Great Smoky Mountain...
Category
18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Silver Sculptures
Materials
Rock Crystal, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Italian 60's Silver Plated Clam Shell Duck By Gabriella Binazzi
Located in London, GB
Beautiful clam shell duck designed and made by Gabriella Binazzi, Italy circa 1970s.
Clam Shell mounted on silver plated feet and decorated with silver plated ducks head.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
Large Bertoia Studios 32-Rod 'Sounding Chess / B-2466' Copper & Brass Sculpture
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 32-Rod 'Sounding Chess / B-2466' copper & brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son of the original designer, Harry Bertoia. Hand made at the original Bertoia...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Brass, Copper
Silver Sculpture Statue of David After Donatello
Located in New York, NY
The statue of the Biblical figure, David, is considered to be one of Donatello's landmark works and a milestone in the Italian Renaissance. This statue is entirely made of silver dep...
Category
20th Century Italian Renaissance Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Coco De Mer Nut Sculptural Box by Antony Redmile, London
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a rare and magnificent object fashioned from a rare coco de mer nut and Ostrich egg by Antony Redmile. The box is secured to a wooden base with a silvered stand, holding both sides of the coconut. The coconut is a rich dark chocolate brown and appears to be warmly polished. The top of the box is silvered and adorned with beautiful malachite specimens. 2 small cast resin boar's teeth set with malachite are present on either side of the box, much like handles. Decorative silvered fittings hold ostrich eggs that serve as the lids to the box. Finally, a silvered fitting holds an oval malachite finial...
Category
1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Malachite, Silver Plate
Murano Glass Clear Cased Silver Leaf Bird Sculpture by Oball, w/ Original Label
Located in Warrenton, OR
Murano Glass Clear Cased Silver Leaf Bird Sculpture by Oball, w/ Original Label
UPDATE: Due to agreement with 1stDibs, we'll be staying through the end of the year.
This is a lovely ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver Leaf
Sterling Silver Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver heavy hollow body rooster figure is signed 925 on the base and is in fine condition.
Beautifully made and proportioned well. Great patina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique 1880s Continental Sterling Silver Cow Creamers
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive pair of antique European silver cow creamers; an addition to our continental silverware collection
These magnificent antique cast 13 löthige silver creamers have been realistically modelled in the form of a bull and a horned cow, each in the style of 18th century creamers.
Each creamer is embellished with Fine details reproducing the details of the bull/cow's hide and facial features.
The back of each piece is fitted with a hinged shaped cover encompassed with floral decoration and surmounted with a finial modelled in the form of a fly/insect.
The bull and cow's tails function as the creamer's handle.
Creamers of this combination, incorporating both the cow and bull, are unusual and rare to the market.
13 löthige/loth is the equivalent of .812.5 (812.5/1000).
Condition
These antique silver cow creamers...
Category
19th Century European Antique Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
A Large Buccellati Silver Model of a Realistic Caribbean Spiny Lobster
Located in New York, NY
A Large Buccellati Italian Silver Model of a Realistic Caribbean Spiny Lobster
Expertly crafted to capture the essence of the real lobster, this m...
Category
20th Century Italian Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
A large branch of Rubrum coral and Sciacca coral from Wunderkammer, Italy 1820.
Located in Milan, IT
A large branch of Mediterranean red coral (Corallium Rubrum) and a large branch of Sciacca coral, mounted together on a gilt bronze base. The creation of the vase-shaped base involve...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Silver Sculptures
Materials
Coral, Silver
Silver Repoussé Serving Spoon with Peacock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A most wonderful addition to any table - a serving spoon that will make your friends talk to each other. An intricately detailed Repoussé peacock handled spoon. One of the most impre...
Category
20th Century European Baroque Revival Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Pair of Midcentury Metal Boats
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1950's Italian pewter boats.
Measurements:
Height: 19.25"
Length: 16.25"
Width: 4.25"
Height: 16"
Length: 14.5"
Width: 3.75"
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate, Pewter
Extremely RareHarry Bertoia Necklace Sterling Silver Lapis Coral ca. 1940
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Extremely rare combination pendant attached to custom-made chain by Harry Bertoia in sterling silver, containing one Lapis Lazuli and one Coral. This piece comes from a private collection. Provenance will accompany the piece. The work has been added to the Harry Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné and assigned the following catalogue raisonné number: D.JE.78.
Although associated with Mid-Century Modern furniture, Harry Bertoia was originally a jewelry designer who used both sterling silver, precious stones and gem stones. The pendant measures: 1.25" long x 1" wide. The necklace measures: 11" length with a measurement of 22" overall length. The chain and closure are all handcrafted and in his unique design. Lapis Lazuli measures 20mm round supported by one 6 mm red coral. Total weight is
33 grams.
The following is from Beverly H. Twitchell, PhD, author of Bertoia: The Metalworker, London: Phaidon, 2019. She provides a very informative critique of Bertoia and his jewelry.
Wearable Art an Important Design for a Necklace
“Before Harry Bertoia enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1937 he had already mastered traditional jewelers’ techniques, but his engagement with Modernism led him to invent and use more direct methods. Instead of precious metals and gems, Bertoia made jewelry that appealed through its design, craftsmanship and the nature of its materials. That approach would make Bertoia a direct predecessor of the American Studio Crafts movement.
So complex and cumulative are human perception and memory that we often do not know from where our own ideas come and without firm evidence, it is impossible to think we can establish the origins of an artist’s ideas. While his jewelry is entirely modern, chokers with multiple small pendants had come from ancient Mediterranean cultures: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Italy, even from Europe and America at the turn of the last century. Did Bertoia see works in books, journals or at the Detroit Institute of Arts that resonated with him or did he invent this on his own, as he would so many other forms?
Bertoia found inspiration in nature from an early age on a small farm in Italy and later in Cranbrook’s woods, on the beaches of southern California and in the fields near his home in eastern Pennsylvania where he lived after 1950. The fluidity and motion of the his jewelry characterize much of his art. In that spirit, too, he made jewelry that suited human anatomy and was animated by its wearer’s movement. Bertoia had the instincts of an engineer, as the intricacy of the present lot’s clasp and overall construction of the jewelry demonstrates. Large jewelry by Bertoia is very rare. A delight to the eye, and like all of Bertoia’s work it is timeless.”
Harry Bertoia (1915 – 1978) was an Italian-born American artist, jewelry creator and modern furniture designer. He was born in San Lorenzo d-Arzene, Pordenone, Italy. At age 15 he moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with his older brother, Oreste. He quickly learned English and the bus schedule and enrolled in Cass Tech High School in Detroit (1930-1936) where he studied art and design and learned the skill of handmade jewelry making. At that time, there were three jewelry and metals teachers Louise Green...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Silver Sculptures
Materials
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Important Maison Gripoix Floral Arrangement, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Riverdale, NY
Important Gripoix Floral Arrangement, from the former YSL Showroom on West 57th St in New York City. One of an important trio that were used for decoration within the Lalanne designed iron showcases...
Category
1970s French Chinoiserie Vintage Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Read More
He Wrote ‘Oedipus Rex,’ but Do You Know What He Looked Like?
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
These Soft Sculptures Are Childhood Imaginary Friends Come to Life
Miami artist and designer Gabriela Noelle’s fantastical creations appeal to the Peter Pan in all of us.
Salvatori Commissioned Several Famous Architects to Create Miniature Homes in Stone
Gabriele Salvatori explains how the COVID lockdowns inspired his design company's latest collection, the Village.
Christopher Norman Is Turning the Cast-Off Urban Trees of Los Angeles into Art
With a World War II–era milling machine, the California artist crafts poetic, sculptural furniture pieces.
These Human-Size Ceramic Hares Evoke Serious Emotions
Swedish artist Margit Brundin's large anthropomorphic animal sculptures are on view for the first time in the United States at Dienst + Dotter Antikviteter, in New York.
Tour the Wabi-Sabi New York Apartment of Andrianna Shamaris
As her sun-filled home reveals, the furniture maker and dealer puts a contemporary spin on antiques from around the globe.
Vicente Wolf’s Tips for Finding — and Living with — Eastern Treasures
The A-list designer shares his expertise on choosing authentic objects and displaying them with style.
Rodrigo Rivero Lake’s Mexico City Showroom Is a Museum-Worthy Trove of Spanish Colonial and Asian Antiques
The dealer and curator has spent the past 50 years amassing a collection of exceptional art, furniture and architectural elements that trace the cultural influence of the Spanish empire from Europe to the Americas and beyond.