ARNALDO POMODORO 1963 Milan Geometric Sculptural Necklace In 18Kt Gold With Gemstones
Very important necklace-brooch designed by Arnaldo Pomodoro (1926-).
A three-dimensional wearable sculptural piece, created in 1963-65 by the famous Italian architect and sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. It was crafted, with architectural patterns and geometrics elements in solid 18 karats of textured yellow gold, with white gold accents.
This piece is composed by two parts; the articulated collar necklace and the intricate pendant-brooch. The collar has 6 free forms elements, attached together with several pins connectors and is suited with a curved boxed push lock.
The pendant can be used alone in a chain and can be also wear as a brooch, since is suited with a vertical hinged bar and a trombone lock for extra security.
The main element is embellished with 16 natural and not treated gemstones, described as follow; thirteen French squared cuts of red Burma rubies, with a weight of 1.95 carats and three straight baguettes cuts of vivid green Colombian emeralds, with a combined weight of 1 carat.
The total weight of this piece is 70.45 grams and the necklace have an inside diameter of 17.25 inches.
The main element has a measures of 97 mm (3.82 inches) height, by 55 mm (2.17 inches) width, by 8 mm (0.31 inch) thickness.
It is sign at the verso in full by the artist and dated, "Arnaldo Pomodoro 1963-65".
Arnaldo Pomodoro, born in Morciano, Italy in 1926, is a sculptor, stage designer and architect. Between the 1950 and 1954 he worked primarily as a jeweler and stage designer with his brother Gio Pomodoro in Pesaro, Italy and began his first work in relief, which are characterized by a rough surface quality with detailed vegetal organic forms. the fine detailing of his jewelry later appeared in his bronze monumental sculptures. He have 94 years and live in Milan, Italy.
In 1953 Arnaldo and Giò, together with their fellow artist and close friend, Giorgio Perfetti (1932- 1961), formed the “3p” group and produced original jewels and small reliefs, which were first exhibited that year in Pesaro. The following year they moved to Milan and opened a small studio in a basement in Via Visconti Di Modrone. Here they met artists such as Enrico Baj, Sergio Dangelo, Lucio Fontana, as well as influential collectors and critics including Peggy Guggenheim and Guido Ballo who greatly appreciated their art. (take from Didier ltd with thanks).
The fine detailing of his jewelry and this piece in particular, later appeared in his bronze monumental sculptures.
Note: This extremely rare piece is dated 1963-65, apparently was started in the 1963 and finished in the 1965, is an unique, (pezzo unico). It has a weight and a substantial size that is well unusual to see in its sculptured jewels.
Provenance: A private collection in Milan, Italy. / A private collection in Paris, France. / A private collection in Connecticut, United States. full details on request.
References: Wright, New Jersey, November 21 2017, lots: 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. Quittembaum, Germany, December 12 2018, lot: 287 for similar examples
literature: Somany; Cerritelli, Jewelry by artist in Italy, mainland 1995. the Catalogue Raisonne tome 1-2, editions skira milan 2007. for similar diverse examples.
It is in perfect condition with no missing parts or previous repairs. have remains of all the original vintage patina.
INVENTORY REF: P0000ANANN/1.692