Jean Mahie Paris Artistic Vintage Sunburst Clips Earrings in Textured 22Kt Yellow Gold
Textured sunburst earrings designed by Jean Mahie.
A beautiful pieces of art, created in Paris France by the artist and goldsmith Jean Mahie, back in the late 1980's. These pair of sculptural ear-clips earrings has been crafted in solid rich yellow gold of 22 karats and finished with highly textured and hammered patterns. Suited at the reverse with comfortable hinged French omega backs for fastening clips and the option of adding posts for pierced ears can be easily done.
They have a combined weight of 17.3 grams and a measurements of 32.5 mm by 33.1 mm (1.28 x 1.30 Inches).
Both are tamped in the obverse, with the maker's mark, the hallmark for the assay of the gold and signed, "JM 22KT.".
Jean Mahie, is the result of a wonderfully symbiotic and fruitful partnership between Jacline Mazard and her father-in-law Jean-Marie Mazard. They first began combining their artistic talents in 1969, working from a studio in Mouans-Sartoux in the South of France, and launched their jewellery line the following year. Neither was formally trained and both preferred to work with 22ct gold in order to realise their unique style that embodied primitive form, motifs and techniques. Everything they made was entirely hand crafted with Jacline often drawing inspiration from her memories of growing up near the ancient ruins of Carthage in Tunisia.
Their bold, imaginative, exotic pieces in richly hued yellow gold fitted perfectly with the bohemian fashions of the late 60s and early 1970s. Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier showed an early interest in their work with both firms retailing their pieces. Jacline recalls, “Louis Arpels, 82 years old at the time, saw our work and convinced us to sell our productions to Van Cleef and Arpels. Cartier followed as well. So in November 1970, we had our creations in their windows, Place Vendôme and rue de la Paix in Paris, with our name shown.” (With thanks from Hancocks).
Literature: Jean Mahie, Bronze And Gold Jean Mahie, Sculpteurs forgerons D'Or, Edition Monelle Hayot, Paris 1980. Elizabeth Hamilton and Emily Stohrer, Jean Mahie, Sculpture In Gold, Sharf Publication 1989. René Barjavel. Les Creations de Jean Mahie Forgerons D'Or 1969-1977. The Sculptures And Artwork, Jean Mahie 30 Years With Neiman Marcus. 2000. For Similar pieces illustrated.
Collections: Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Ohio, USA. Victoria & Albert Museum, London UK. Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston USA.
They are in perfect condition, with great look and terrific eye appeal.
INVENTORY REF: E0000MRAE/.5055
