A silver plated hand made wine wine caddy. This superb piece of metal artwork was made by one of the world's leading jeweller and silversmith's; Jean Després. The form of the piece is bother industrial and soft sculptural in perfect tandem. A strong gauge of metal, mixed techniques of finishing and fine forms combine to give this wonderful functional piece a very modern industrial sculptural feel. the edge od the handle and the mouth of the neck holder both have hand hammered finish applied to them, the rest of the piece is clean and smooth. The jandle has two rivet like caps that help give purchase while tilting the bolttle to pour, and once set down it holds the bottle at a perfect angle.
A French jewelry maker and designer best known for his intricate Art Deco jewelry made from semi-precious stones, machine parts, and enamel. Després’ aesthetics were largely inspired by his friendships with avent-garde artists, including the Cubist Georges Braque. Born on June 15, 1889 in Souvigny, France, his father owned a jewelry shop and sent off his son to apprentice with a goldsmith and jeweler when he was sixteen. Després studied design at nights while in Paris and socialised in the Montmarte scene, where he met among others; Braque, Picasso, Modigliani. Working for the government designing parts for aircraft during World War I, his jewelry became influenced by the utilitarian materials and shapes he saw in the factories. This is where the very recognisable industrial element to his work took form.
Després’ works were collected and worn by celebrities such as Josephine Baker, Andy Warhol, Paul Signac and Andre Malraux. His works are in the collections of the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, among many others, including important private collections.
This piece feautres his, almost crude, hand applied signature, along with his French poinçon. Made in France circa 1950's, this is a rare and fabulous piece that is both functional, and aesthetically very applealing.
