1 / 3
Premium AGUTTES
74
-
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
See original version (French)
74
-
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
See original version (French)
Estimate €6,000 - €8,000
Voluntary lot
Description
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
‘Lion – King of Wine’ brooch
Round brilliant-cut diamonds, enamel, emeralds and Macassar ebony (Diospyros celebica)
18k gold (750) and platinum (950)
Signed and numbered, circa 1964
Pery & Fils master’s mark
Case
Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 cm. - Weight: 14.8 g
A brooch featuring diamonds, enamel, emeralds, wood, platinum and gold, signed Van Cleef & Arpels
Note:
The bestiary according to Van Cleef & Arpels
Whilst flora and fauna have been an integral part of Van Cleef & Arpels’ aesthetic vocabulary since the house was founded, animal-themed brooches represent a distinct chapter in its history. Created from the 1940s onwards, some of these pieces are now among the most sought-after by collectors. Sold in the Boutique from the 1950s onwards, these brooches, with their humorous touch, proved hugely successful as they were more affordable than high jewellery and easier to wear on a daily basis. The shaggy lion and the mischievous cat are iconic pieces in the collection: true to their names, they reflect the house’s desire to create whimsical and endearing animals rather than realistic ones. And whilst these designs are among the most common – and indeed the most popular of their time – one occasionally comes across a unique variation, such as our ‘King of Wine’. Perched on his ebony barrel, he showcases one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ distinctive features: the combination of wood with precious materials, a feature particularly evident in their Christmas flowers.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like