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Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Collection for Donna Karan Armadillo Collar

About the Item

This khaki color of brass is one of the most desired colors and tones that Donna Karan asked Robert Lee Morris to create for many of her runway shows. This massive wide collar is like medieval chain mesh for the neck, a thick and luscious "pelt" of overlapping brass discs that are linked on to a ball mesh background. It sits tightly high up on the neck, yet the weight of this luxurious piece rings the collar down and settles it comfortably around the neck. With a single hook and eye closure, this is the ultimate accessory for the ultra stylish woman. It is hefty at nearly one full pound of metal, and 4 inches wide so it is a substantial piece of jewelry. The warm brown tones of the oxidation make it look and feel almost like a fur around the neck. The Wabi Sabi quality is in the simple straightforward construction and the earth tones. Wabi Sabi is the Japanese term that means aged, used, worn, filled with character and spirit through use, old, spirited, and Robert Lee Morris loves it. So much of his jewelry has the Wabi Sabi quality, which is the opposite of glitz and sparkly bling so associated with jewelry in the first place. Morris spent 4 years living in Japan as a child, his father a USAF officer and pilot, and was very inspired by the beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetic and culture. Therefore one can see this exemplified in the colors of the metal and materials he uses; tarnished and oxidized brass, copper bronze and sometimes even darkened silver.
  • Creator:
  • Metal:
  • Weight:
    15.9 oz
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4 in (101.6 mm)Width: 4 in (101.6 mm)Depth: 0.4 in (10.16 mm)Diameter: 8 in (203.2 mm)Length: 15 in (381 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1990
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. This is an original piece off the Donna Karan runway 1990 and has been in storage so it is in mint condition.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3141219102062
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