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Jean Després French Modernist Hammered Gold and Coral Pendant
$8,500
This hammered 18K gold and coral modernist pendant designed and handmade by Jean Després dates from 1930-40. It is designed as hammered rectangular plaque with an asymmetrically set coral cabochon layered over an offset partial rectangular frame, with variously sized bead accents. This appealing sculptural jewel represents Després' playful explorations of form and volume through textures, layers and voids.
- Product Details
- Curator's Notes
Item #: N-21134
Artist: Després
Country: France
Circa: 1930-40
Dimensions: 2.00" length x 0.75" width
Materials: Coral; 18K Gold
Signed: J. Després, maker's mark, French assay marks
Despite the artist's near total preoccupation with machinery in modern life, Després' jewelry bears the hallmarks of hand fabrication, here in the irregular hammering that contrasts with the serene geometry of the overlapping forms. In addition, the off-set frame reflects the artist's concern not only with the integrity and repetition of of geometric forms but also in the visual interest of the broken line.