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Jean Després Modernist 18K Gold Pendant
$7,500
Created in the 1950s-1960s, this pendant by Jean Després is composed of 18K gold. The abstract geometric form is designed as three vertical bars traversed by a tapering ribbon, and highlighted by gold spherules and short rounded bars, suspended from a black silk cord. An intriguing composition, this wearable modernist artwork has a pleasing weight and softness, fashioned solely by the hand of the artist and designer himself.
- Product Details
- Curator's Notes
Item #: N-21425
Artist: Jean Després
Country: France
Circa: 1950s-1960s
Materials: 18K Gold; Black silk cord
Signed: Jean Després, with maker's mark and French assay mark
Literature: A brooch of a similar design, in silver, appears in Jean Després 1889-1980, by Philippe Guegan, p. 164.
This design belongs to the "sports jewelry" theme of Després' work in the medium. It was designed for women to wear seamlessly on all occasions. Gold became abundant and fashionable in the 1950s, and Després played with the ribbon motif in his designs, while also retaining his architectural and geometric forms of great elegance and purity.