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Jean Painlevé Rare Seahorse Jewelry Parure

About the Item

The French artist Jean Painlevé, known primarily for his oceanic-themed films and photographs and whose work is currently exhibited in galleries around the world, created in 1936 a line of seahorse-themed fashion jewelry under the brand "jHp" for Jean Hippocampe Painlevé'. The artist opened at least two boutiques in Paris and others in numerous other cities in France. Examples of the visual artist's work are scarce; I've seen several cuff bracelets for sale over the years. What I've never seen is this. An original parure of seahorse jewelry by Jean Painlevé of eccentric and flamboyant beauty. The parure includes a 6 ¾" bracelet, a pair of 19mm x 15mm clip earrings and 2 ¼" brooch. All are made from gold-tone metal set with rectangular plastic mounts to which are attached gold-tone metal seahorses with fine detailing. Each piece —including each individual earring— is hallmarked "MADE IN FRANCE jHp Paris" except for the brooch which is hallmarked "MADE IN FRANCE." The brooch closes securely with a trombone clasp and the bracelet with a tongue-in-groove closure. All work as intended. This is an extraordinary work of art for the Jean Painlevé collector as well as any jewelry collector with an eye for the exceedingly uncommon.
  • Creator:
    Jean Painlevé
  • Metal:
  • Weight:
    53.34 g
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1940s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. In excellent vintage condition with no damage or signs of repair.
  • Seller Location:
    Southbury, CT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU158918802872

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