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Artist 1950s Modern Sterling Set OpenworkLeaves RebajesProtege Earrings & Brooch

About the Item

This mid-century modern sterling-silver openwork stylized-leaves set of brooch and screw-back earrings was handcrafted by metalsmith Otto Robert Bade (1921-2019). His distinct work in 1958 is captured in photograph #47 among the 100 that represent centuries of U.S. jewelry in the book published by Yale University Art Gallery, "Baubles, Bangles And Beads: American Jewelry From Yale University, 1700-2005". Along with the "sterling" stamp, the artist's monogram "ORB" is signed on the brooch and one of the earrings. Recognized for his minimalist three-dimensional curvaceous style inspired by natural subjects, such as foliage or animals, this more elaborate and intricate set dates the three pieces among his early independent work. Bade most likely created this sculptural set between 1958-1959 when he focused on developing his own jewelry designs as a new business in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Since 1941, the self-taught artist from Nebraska had overseen production in New York for copper-jewelry designer Francisco Rebajes. Based on Bade's subsequent outside success, in 1960 he bought Rebajes Wearable Art, which had become one of the top mid-century American studio-jewelry companies. Whereafter, Bade used the company's workshop machinery to increase production of his own and Rebajes' former designs. So works from this later period are much sleeker usually with less silver. As Bade often brushed and/or blackened his metal surfaces for a softer appearance that enhanced shadows, it is not clear if the fine scratches that can only be seen with a loupe are intentional. To reflect its age, we have not polished the silver.
  • Creator:
  • Metal:
    Sterling Silver
  • Dimensions:
    Width: 1 in (25.4 mm)Depth: 0.75 in (19.05 mm)Length: 1.25 in (31.75 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 3
  • Style:
    Modernist
  • Place of Origin:
    United States
  • Period:
    Mid-20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950s-1960s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3244218533722

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