CLAUDE LALANNE For Zolotas Sculptural Laurel Leaves Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold

Laurel leaves earrings designed by Claude Lalanne (1924-2019) for Zolotas.

This is a beautiful three-dimensional pair of earrings, created by the French sculptor Claude Lalanne for Zolotas, back in the 1980's. This rare modernist sculptural clips-on earrings has been crafted in the shape of several laurel leaves in solid textured rich yellow gold of 18 karats. The level of textured detail on the leaves is exceptional, showing us their organic parts, such as the stems and veins. The surface of the leaves are treated with microscopic dots and pores similar to real natural leaves. The earrings are fitted at the reverse with concealed gold posts (Removable) for pierced ears and comfortable French omega backs for fastening clips.

Note: We are offering in our other listing the matching pendant-brooch in suite to these laurel leaves earrings

Weight: 18.20 Grams, (11.67 Dwt).

Measurements: 34 mm by 26 mm (1.34 x 1.03 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the 18kt gold, the Artist proof edition number and signed as follow, "Z22 EA-8 .750". Note: Likely from an authorized artist-proof edition of only 9 pairs.

Claude Lalanne

was a French sculptor and designer most widely known for her work in the collaborative duo Les Lalanne with her husband, Francois-Xavier Lalanne. Claude Lalanne’s personal work often manifested itself in the form of decorative flora and fauna, drawing from Surrealism and Art Nouveau in her furniture pieces. The artist also created jewelry which were often molded from twisted flowers, leaves, and branches made in copper and gilt bronze. Her unique style of decorative design and fine art resonated with the fashion world with many of her pieces collected by leading fashion designers, including Yves Saint Laurent, the only artist he ever collaborated with throughout his career. Born Claude Dupeux in 1924 in Paris, France, Lalanne studied architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts and the École des Arts Décoratifs. She and her husband François-Xavier, who died in 2008, began working side by side during the early 1950s, creating design objects, including their famous sheep, under the business moniker Les Lalanne achieving both commercial and critical success. The school of Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris mounted a retrospective of the couple in 2010. Today, the work of Les Lalanne can be found in the collections of the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. 

His collaboration with Zolotas in this period adds to the collections of this great Greek jewelry house with subtle creations of wearable art pieces. The color of gold is poured on the elegant surfaces of laurel leaves, which are transformed into long necklaces, rings, earrings, accompany belts and decorate gold chains for the ankles. The artist died at 93 years on April 10, 2019 in Fontainebleau, France.

History of Zolotas

The firm of Zolotas, was founded in Athens in 1895 by Efthimios Zolotas. The jewelry of Zolotas is very well known for their designs inspired by Greek antiquity. In the 1950, they made the decision to create the trademark and branches out into international markets. It was also during this era that the jewelry House of Zolotas began crafting what would become their ancient Greek signature style. In a gorgeous combination of modern and ancient styles. The high karat gold jewelry was fashioned using traditional techniques and motifs with contemporary flair. The symbols which had been sacred to the Greek culture some thousands of years prior were now manifested in ram, lion, snake and bull jewelry. The house’s clientele continued to expand gaining such important personages as Aristotle Onassis and his wife, the former first lady of the United States, Jackie Kennedy Onassis. By the 1970’s, Zolotas had established its presence in Paris. The brand continued to create incredible pieces which bridged the gap between the contemporary and Classical worlds. Artist Claude Lalanne, and world-renowned jewelry designer Paloma Picasso (of Tiffany & Company fame), as well as a number of other artists and designers, created limited collections for the brand. The company continued its tradition of innovation, elegance and respect for a glorious past throughout the latter half of the 20th Century.

Collateral: These earrings are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Provenance: Iolas-Galerie, Zomboulakis, Athens, Acquired from the gallery. Acquired in a private treaty in New York City.

Condition: The overall condition of these Lalanne / Zolotas earrings are excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. This pair has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: E112924MTNM/.4376