Ken Beldin Figural Pendant - Mid-Century Mexican Copper

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Ken Beldin Figural Pendant - Mid-Century Mexican Copper

About the Item

Modern pre-Columbian inspired vintage copper necklace made in Mexico by ex-pat artist Ken Beldin 1940s and 1950s. Signed on the back: Ken Beldin & Mexico. In excellent vintage condition. Pendant measures: 2" H x 1 3/4" W. The necklace chain made of mixed metal and shells measures 15 1/2" total length. This vintage pendant is made of patinated copper depicting an ethnic male figure. The pendant bears a lovely green patina and hangs from the original chain. Ken Beldin (1900-?) was born in Mississippi and was educated at U. of C. Berkeley. He retired as head of a successful ad agency in Los Angeles in 1931 to travel through the Southwest. He worked for a time with Mexico’s National Railways attracting tourists to travel to Mexico by rail and was drawn into the rugged beauty of Mexico and it’s people. He set up a studio in Tenencingo South of Mexico City near Taxco and began creating one of a kind jewelry and sculpture. He was the custodian of a collection of archeological Pre-Columbian stones, and it was from these he derived his motifs. His "modern Primitive" jewelry was considered to have the most feeling and the most authentic look of the Period. He worked throughout the 1940's and 50's with copper, brass, steel, wood and leather. His work was admired and collected by some of the elite of Hollywood including Barbara Hutton, Edward G. Robinson, James Cagny and Sammy Davis, Jr. His friends in Mexico who also purchased his work were: Diego Riviera, Freda Kahlo, J.C. Orosco and Miguel Covarrubias. His pieces were available in gift shops in Mexico City, Tlaquepaque, Morelia and Taxco. Ken was also very interested in the nutritional needs of Mexico’s poor and with the help of a nutritionist in California developed a soy bean based food for children. He created comic books to teach the children about nutrition and gave some of the proceeds from his art sales to this cause. Dale Nichols, the well-known American artist appreciated his work and created a pamphlet about him in 1952 lauding his creations. These unique collectible pieces are being rediscovered now as the treasures they are.

Creator:
Ken Beldin (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)Width: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)Depth: 0.07 in (1.78 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Copper
Place of Origin:
Mexico
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1940's - 1950's
Condition:
Seller Location:
Phoenix, AZ
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1875317496172