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patrickkapty.bsky.social
A wish for long life!
Set of handmade Japanese sterling silver Auspicious Character Lu - Longevity design brooch with matching earrings c. 1930s

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #Japan #sterlingsilver #lu #longevity #brooch #earrings #vintage1930s #auspiciouscharacters #pin
A striking and quite large set of vintage 1930s 40s handmade sterling silver Auspicious Character Lu - Longevity design brooch pin and matching earrings from Japan. Entirely handmade hand cut from solid sterling silver sheet in a wonderful and quite visually appealing design! Auspicious characters in Asian societies refer to the ideograms for things like good luck, good health, wealth, long life, love, etc. This one is Lu, the Japanese ideogram for long life aka longevity. The idea is that wearing the auspicious character will attract those things to the person wearing the jewelry, and thus these designs are often given as gifts at important occasions in life like graduation, weddings, anniversaries, child birth, promotion at work, etc. All three pieces marked "Sterling Japan" at backs as shown, and the earrings are also marked "Silver" on the screw backs. Pin measures 2-3/8" by 2-3/8", and screw back earrings measure 2" long by 1-1/4" wide. The set weighs 22.5 grams total. This set is highly polished sterling silver which is quite reflective and difficult to photograph. The lines at the sides of the brooch and anything else that looks like blemishes to the silver is just reflections. Excellent vintage condition.
November 4, 2025 at 5:35 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Advertising photo for a jewelry collaboration between Salvador Dali and Elsa Schiaparelli circa 1930s.

#surrealism #surrealistphotography #surrealistjewelry #vintage1930s #salvadordali #elsaschiaparelli
November 1, 2025 at 4:41 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
An early 20th century African tribal carved wood & copper studs elongated-head sculpture by the Mangbetu people of the DRC.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#Mangbetuculture #DRC #africanart #tribalart #elongatedhead #bodymodification #vintage1930s #carvedwood #sculpture #art
a SUBLIME vintage 1930s 40s African tribal hand carved wood and copper studs stylized African Woman elongated head sculpture from the Mangbetu people of the DRC. An early and quite strikingly beautiful African tribal art sculpture depicting the body/head modification practices of the Mangbetu people of the Congo. No doubt artworks like this are what inspired Italian artist Amadeo Modigliani to create his depictions of elongated faces in his iconic portraits! Entirely hand carved from solid wood, and with applied handmade copper 'necklace', 'earrings', and studs at top of the head as shown in the photos. As you can see the entire sculpture is elongated from a natural shape, and this is no doubt a depiction of a young African woman whose tribe practices body modification, specifically the head region. African body and head modification includes practices like artificial cranial deformation, such as the elongated heads of the Mangbetu people of north-east Democratic Republic of the Congo. Babies' heads were bound with cloth to create the desired shape. As adults, the effect was emphasised by wrapping the hair around a woven basket frame so that the head appeared even more elongated. This sculpture is unmarked, and I am guessing of African origin, likely the Mangbetu people of the Congo. Measures 12-5/8" high by 7-1/4" wide by 4-1/4" deep at base. Weighs over 2.6 pounds prior to packing. In any case, a lovely vintage Art Deco era sculpture with a tribal theme! Excellent vintage condition overall with some slight spots of wear to the finish and tarnish to the metal parts but no damage or detractors whatsoever.
October 16, 2025 at 3:47 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Incredible vintage 1930s Art Deco H. Hoffman Bohemian uranium glass hood ornament/sculpture - measures 9.75" long!

#artdeco #bohemianglass #uraniumglass #czechglass #hhoffman #czechoslovakia #vintage1930s #hoodornament #artdecoglass #glassart #artglass #artdecodesign #streamlinemoderne #movement
October 12, 2025 at 11:42 AM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A rare vintage 1930s Art Deco handmade two-tone Bakelite 'checkerboard' design dress clip.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#bakelite #bakelitejewelry #artdeco #moderne #geometric #twotone #handmade #butterscotch #applejuice #dressclip #vintage1930s #geometricjewelry #oneofakind
A super rare vintage 1930s Art Deco Moderne handmade carved two-tone applejuice and butterscotch Bakelite geometric 'checkerboard' design dress clip. Incredibly work-intensive entirely handmade design! Measures 2" tall by just under 1" wide by over 1/4" thick. Unmarked as is expected and usual for nearly all American Bakelite jewelry from the 1930s/40s period. All original, untouched, and as found. Clip mechanism at back marked "Made USA". Excellent vintage condition.
October 6, 2025 at 6:43 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A vivid vintage 1930s hand carved Red Delicious Bakelite Apple design dress clip.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#bakelite #apple #dressclip #vintage1930s #bakelitejewelry #handmade #carved #redbakelite #applejewelry #artdeco #artdecobakelite #artdecojewelry #bakelitefruitjewelry
A vivid vintage 1930s Art Deco handmade carved red Bakelite and celluloid 'stem' Red Delicious Apple design fur clip. Entirely handmade hand carved red Bakelite with hand carved and painted celluloid 'stem' at top, and painted dot of black at bottom. An unusual Bakelite 'fruit' jewelry design! The bottom tip of the clip mechanism shows in my photos, but remember that when this is worn that it will be hidden behind the fabric of the clothing that it is worn on. Measures 2" tall by just under 1.5" wide by over 1/2" thick. Unmarked as is expected and usual for nearly all American Bakelite jewelry from the 1930s/40s period. All original, untouched, and as found. Clip mechanism at back marked "Made USA". Really tip top vintage condition with just finest lightest wear but no damage or detractors whatsoever!
October 6, 2025 at 6:29 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A very large vintage 1930s carved Bakelite 'pear' brooch with green Bakelite 'leaf' at top - measures 3" tall!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#bakelite #bakelitejewelry #bakelitefruit #fruitjewelry #vintage1930s #artdeco #pear #pearpin #vintageplastic #costumejewelry #handmade #art
A lovely and quite large vintage 1930s handmade carved Bakelite Art Deco era Pear and Leaf design brooch. Almost geometric design 'pear' with a single carved green Bakelite 'leaf' at top leaning to one side, and a small inset celluloid 'stem' in the Bakelite 'pear'. There is a small bit at the bottom that represents the blossom end or calyx end of the pear. Really well made, all original with the leaf riveted to the pear, and the brooch mechanism at back is inset into the Bakelite as expected for period Bakelite jewelry. Measures 3-1/8" tall including the leaf by about 1.75" widest point. The pin mechanism at back is riveted to the Bakelite at center, and moves a little, so the brooch can be worn in a variety of orientations as desired. Unmarked as expected and as is usual for 99.9% of all American Bakelite jewelry from the 1930s. Excellent vintage condition.
August 14, 2025 at 6:37 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
KACHINA DOLL
Angak'Tsina - Long-Hair Katsina doll
Hopi
Arizona, USA
Circa 1930s-40s
Carved wood (cottonwood), feathers and pigments
Height: 24,5 cm

#hopi #kachina #doll #ritual #religion #nativeamerican #handmade #arizona #carved #wood #handmade #feathers #pigment #vintage1930s #vintage1940s
July 31, 2025 at 2:16 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Ingrid perfume bottle
malachite glass
Riedel Glassworks
Bohemia, Czechoslovakia
1930s

#artdeco #bohemianglass #vintageperfume #artdecoglass #artdecodesign #vintage1930s #art #riedelglass #czechoslovakia #handmade #artglass #malachiteglass
July 14, 2025 at 1:28 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
An incredible one of a kind vintage 1920s 30s Art Deco era beaded purse in the shape of a squid. NFS

#beaded #purse #squid #artdeco #squidpurse #accessories #vintagepurse #vintage1920s #vintage1930s #vintageaccessories #figural #design #oneofakind #handmade #beadedbag
June 20, 2025 at 2:32 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Art Deco interior
circa 1935
Paris
France

#artdeco #luxury #modernity #glamour #artdecodesign #interiordesign #vintage1930s #lartdecoratif #frenchartdeco #france #paris #parisianartdeco #style
Art Deco Style encapsulated the wealth and influence of the industrial class at the turn of the 20th century. Combining modern ideas about shapes and elegance with glamorous materials and industrial processes, the movement came to represent the luxuries of a changing world. The Art Deco movement represented a variety of different styles, all governed by a series of principles: luxury, technology, and modernity. Above all, it was an extremely creative period, full of innovation and new ideas. With the rise of industry and the gradual decline of aristocracy, people in the middle and upper classes began seeking out luxuries. Using industrial technologies, Art Deco designers incorporated expensive materials into common pieces, from home radios to living room furniture.
May 18, 2025 at 4:32 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Three handmade vintage 1930s Bakelite Art Deco geometric design jewelry stands/displays.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#artdeco #bakelite #artdecoobjects #handmade #vintagebakelite #jewelrystands #jewelrydisplays #vintage1930s #artdecobakelite #geometric #geometricdesign #jewelry
A three-piece group of vintage 1930s Art Deco handmade two-color black and yellow Bakelite geometric design display stands. Iconic geometric Art Deco design! Each piece was entirely handmade in two colors and given a simple and sleek Machine Age design in yellow and black! Each piece has a slit at top for holding onto the jewelry item, either a ring or a necklace chain or a bracelet, or even earrings on a card could be slipped into the slit. Perfect for an Art Deco display at home or in a shop! The taller stands measure 3.5" long by 2" widest, and the shorter display measures 4-3/4" wide by 2-3/8" deep by 1-7/8" tall at center. Unmarked, as expected for items of this material from the period. There is some light wear at bottoms of the displays, but these have been very well cared for and have no damage or detractors whatsoever as shown.
May 18, 2025 at 4:24 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Tokens of love in jewelry form from the early 20th century.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/shop/califor...

#napier #sterlingsilver #cupidsarrow #love #tokens #iloveyou #brooch #hearts #romance #vintage1920s #vintage1930s #jewelry #jewelrydesign #handmade #wearableart #art #artdeco #artdecojewelry
A huge vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver Cupid's Arrow and Heart design brooch pin with matching Heart earrings by Napier. Such a great design, entirely handmade, and originally given a lacquer coating to prevent tarnish that has mostly survived. Still retains the original Napier hang tag as well! These types of 'sweetheart jewelry' were given to a loved one especially during the war to signify a close connection while their loved ones were far away, and have an aura of sentiment to them. The pin measures 3-5/8" long by 1-1/4" wide, the earrings measure 1" by 1", and the set weighs 37.3 grams total. All pieces marked "Napier Sterling" and still includes the original Napier hang tag for the set. Excellent vintage condition. https://www.rubylane.com/item/1879775-4558/SWEETHEART-Vintage-1940s-Napier-Handmade-Sterling?search=1 a CHARMING antique 1920s Art Deco handmade sterling silver and paste Love design brooch. Entirely handmade in the style of fine jewelry with knife-edge serrated settings of sterling silver with a rhodium wash, and open-backed stone settings featuring colorless stones all individually hand bead-set! Such a charming little brooch that packs a BIG message...Love! Measures 1.5" long by .5" tall at front, and weighs 4 grams total. Marked "Sterling" at back as shown. Excellent vintage condition. https://www.rubylane.com/item/1879775-5597/CHARMING-Antique-1920s-Art-Deco-Handmade?search=1 A rare vintage 1930s Art Deco Valentine's Day hand painted metal brooch with a black arrow at top from which hangs a 'telephone' heart spelling out "I love you" in the dialing section. So charming, and so unusual! Never seen this one before! Measures 1-3/4" tall by 1-5/8" wide. Has a tiny maker mark at back of a star-shaped reserve around the letter S, not a mark that I'm familiar with but happy to hear from anyone that might. In excellent vintage condition. https://www.rubylane.com/item/1879775-5495/Vintage-1930s-Art-Deco-Valentinex27s-Day?search=1
May 4, 2025 at 4:12 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A delightful vintage 1930s Mexican silver 'Aguador' (water carrier) brooch with fully formed 'buckets' that sway with the movement of the wearer!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#mexicansilver #brooch #aguador #watercarrier #mexicanjewelry #vintage1930s #hechoenmexico #handmade
A delightful vintage 1930s 40s handmade sterling silver Mexican Water Carrier design brooch. Very detailed entirely handmade design in solid sterling silver of a Mexican man carrying a pole across his shoulders from which hangs a bucket on either end. The buckets are fully formed and swing freely creating movement with the movement of the wearer! He measures 2-5/8" tall by 2.5" wide, and weighs 28.9 grams total. Marked with the standard Mexican hallmark of the 1930s, "Silver Mexico". The mark is double-stamped and difficult to see clearly in my photo, but I am certain of it having examined it with a loupe. Tested and guaranteed to be exactly as described.Excellent vintage condition.
April 16, 2025 at 4:16 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A rare pair of vintage 1930s Los Castillo Taxco handmade 980 silver and jelly opal floral design fur clips.

#loscastillotaxco #handmade #980silver #jellyopal #furclips #lforaldesign #mexicansilver #taxco #taxcosilver #hechoenmexico #vintage1930s #mexicanjewelry #silverjewelry #wearableart #art
A rare pair of vintage 1930s handmade 980 silver and gorgeous fiery jelly opal floral motif fur clips designed by Margot in the early years of Los Castillo in Taxco. One of the earliest marks for Los Castillo, and using a stone that I have never seen before in Los Castillo jewelry, and I am a long-time collector of their work! In fact, I can't remember seeing jelly opals used in jewelry from Taxco at all, so doubly rare! The stones are quite fiery and have a wide range of colors from a golden body color to flashes of red blue green and yellow! Each clip measures 3" by 2-3/8", and the pair weigh 1.4 ounces total or about 40 grams for the pair. Both are marked at backs as shown, "980 Los Castillo Taxco" and design "270". I've only seen one other example of this design over the years, and that one was all silver without a stone. Excellent vintage condition.
February 16, 2025 at 2:49 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A 1930s Fred Davis sterling & onyx Mexican Art Deco letter opener - measures 6-5/8" long!

Available in my Ruby Lane shop...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#freddavis #handmade #sterling #blackonyx #letteropener #mexicanartdeco #mexicansilver #mexicocity #cdmx #precolumbianinspired #vintage1930s
RARE vintage 1930s handmade sterling silver and carved black onyx pre-Columbian style 'face' Mexican Art Deco letter opener by Fred Davis (1877-1961) of Mexico City. A striking and quite beautiful piece of handcrafted sterling silver from the Art Deco era in Mexico City! This fine letter opener measures 6-5/8" long by 1-1/4" wide, and weighs 22.7 grams total. Marked at back as shown with the conjoined "FD" maker mark used by Davis. Not marked for silver content as this was not required at that time for items for sale within Mexico, but tested and guaranteed to be as described. Excellent vintage condition. Here's a short bio of the artist that I compiled from online sources: Frederick W. Davis (April 17, 1877 - March 7, 1961) operated an antiquities and folk art shop in Mexico City. Davis was an early collector and dealer in pre-Columbian and Mexican folk art and his shop was a place where Mexican Modern artists who were interested in pre-Columbian and folk art, often met. Davis was born and raised in Illinois. He came to Mexico about 1910 and worked for the Sonora News Company selling newspapers, guidebooks, and souvenirs on the Southern Pacific Railway line south from Nogales, Arizona. Davis, who was interested in folk art and pre-Columbian art of Mexico became the manager of the Sonora Company's arts and crafts showroom in Mexico City. During the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), many Mexican antiques came on the market. After 1920, as stability returned and Americans became interested in Mexico, Davis's shop attracted collectors and other visitors. Artists of the emerging “Mexican school” were interested in both historical and contemporary folk art, so they also gravitated to Davis's shop. Davis was among the first to collect, display and sell their work. He exhibited work by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and Rufino Tamayo; others who came to the shop included Miguel Covarrubias and Jean Charlot. Davis also displayed work by Americans including George Biddle, Caroline Durieux, and William Spratling. In 1927, Davis hired Rene d'Harnoncourt as his assistant. D'Harnoncourt worked with Davis until 1933, helping in the purchase and sale of art objects and organizing displays and exhibits in the showroom. In 1933, Davis left the Sonora News Company and became head of the department of antiques and fine crafts in Frank Sanborn's Mexico City store. He continued supporting Mexican artists and craftsmen by displaying and selling their work. Davis is famed for championing Mexican artists and craftsmen. That said, Davis’ silversmithing was equally as popular. His pieces were heavily influenced by the art of Mexico. Davis wanted these pieces to feel authentic, collector’s items rather than the typical tchotchkes that were sold to American tourists at that time. The public responded in a big way, elevating Mexican silversmithing to an artform that soon had followers across the globe. Even now, nearly 60 years after his death, Davis pieces are still highly sought after by art collectors and jewelry fans around the world. He was a singular figure in the art world, both because of his work as an artist and as an art dealer. Fred Davis is best known for his silver jewelry and objects. Well schooled in pre-Columbian art, Davis was heavily interested in the jewelry worn by the indigenous people of Mexico. He worked tirelessly during the years of the Mexican revolution to procure artifacts and antiques that surfaced due to civil unrest. These influences found themselves front and center when Davis began to make jewelry. His pieces were ornamental, but not trite -- very different from other Mexican-inspired art from that time. Davis helped to elevate folk art, making it a valued and serious addition to the high art community.
January 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
The Certitude of the Never Seen
1933
Yves Tanguy
American, born France, 1900–1955

#surrealism #surrealistpainting #modernart #oilpainting #carvedwoodframe #yvestanguy #thecertitudeoftheneverseen #vintage1930s #surrealisticart #originalart #aic #chicago
January 4, 2025 at 4:04 PM