-Jean Després 1960 Paris Artistic Cuff Bracelet In .800 Silver With Chained Links
Sculptural cuff designed by Jean Després (1886-1980).
Exceptional collector's piece, created in Paris France by the artist goldsmith Jean Després, back in the 1960. This cuff bracelet has been crafted with retro modernist patterns in solid .800/.999 silver with high polished finish and centering upon a sculpted chain-links band.
Weight: 59.60 Grams, (38.21 Dwt.).
Size: 7 Inches, (18 Cm) can be expanded or closed to fit size.
Measurements: The width is 30 mm (1.18 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks; the maker's mark JP inside a lozange cartouche and signed inside, "J. DESPRES".
Jean Després
He was born in 1889 in Souvigny, Burgundy, from glass blower parents, Jean Després starts his apprenticeship with a Parisian goldsmith, friend of the family, in 1905. First an industrial drawer for the military aviation during World War I, he took over his parents’ shop in 1920 and launched his goldsmith and jeweler workshop. He revealed himself to be an innovative creator with a unique way to work metals, and with new drawn shapes never seen before. He participated to his first show in 1926 at the Salon des Indépendants. Many shows and exhibitions then followed, such as the Salon d’Automne, the Salon of Decorative artists, and the Tuileries Salon. Jean Després chooses massive shapes rather than the classical goldsmith ornaments and avoids the use of precious gemstones in his jewel collection. His jewel production is defined by necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings where metals are combined with ivory, lacquer, ebony, onyx and sharkskin. His goldsmith pieces are inspired by the aviation aesthetic, crafted using hammered metals, and ample, generous and modern shapes. In the 1940’s, Jean Després is nominated President of the Goldsmith Syndicate, after receiving the Legion d'honneur, in 1938. The artist’s works will be collected in France and worldwide, even after his death in 1980. (Maison Rapin with thanks).
Literature: Melissa Garibaldi, Jean Despres: Jeweler, Maker, and Designer of the Machine Age, Thames & Hudson, 2009 for similar examples crafted in gold and silver.
References: Christies New York, 22 April 2010, Lot-214 for a similar one illustrated and offered.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this cuff is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: B091223ENMJ/1.689
