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Art Smith (American, 1917–1982). ”Lava” Bracelet, circa 1946. Silver, 2 1/2 x 2 5/8 x 5 3/4 in. (6.4 x 6.7 x 14.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles L. Russell, 2007.61.16

 

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Art Smith (American, 1917–1982). “Half & Half” Necklace, designed by 1948. Silver. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mark McDonald, 2007.59

 

 

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Model wearing Art Smith’s “Modern Cuff” Bracelet, circa 1948

 

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Art Smith the First 

African-American Jewelry Designer 

“Arthur Smith was born in Cuba to Jamaican parents in 1917. In 1920, his family settled in Brooklyn, NY, where he honed his artistic talents.  He was awarded a scholarship to Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art…Mr. Smith earned his degree in 1940, and instantly began taking jewelry making classes at NYU…In 1946, he opened his first shop on Cornelia Street in Greenwich Village. Soon after he relocated to 140 West Fourth and that move was his best move. Not only was he selling his pieces from his own store front; he was selling to boutiques in Boston, Chicago and San Francisco…

 

Mr. Smith was experiencing huge success. By the 1950′s, his unique jewelry pieces were featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and The New Yorker;…[this] press coverage gave him prestige amongst notable actors, singers, and dancers.In 1960, his notoriety flourished. He began using silver more in his growing collection. But one of his biggest achievements was designing a brooch for Eleanor Roosevelt and designing cuff links for Duke Ellington that included notes from Ellington’s 1930 song ‘Mood Indigo.’

 

In 1969, he was recognized with an exhibition at the New York museum of Art and Design (then Museum of Contemporary Crafts).  Art Smith closed his shop in 1979, and died of heart failure in 1982.

 

His artistic style can still be seen in jewelry today.” (McDonald, February 19, 2013) His work is truely an inspiration.

source : http://pljewels.blogspot.jp/2013/04/throwback-thursday-art-smith.html 

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 なかなか日本では聞く事も少ない、1950年代から活躍をしていたジュエリーデザイナー Art Smith 。

アメリカに居る頃、知人のディーラーが持っていた小さなペンダント、
デザインも良かったので、購入したいと思い。 価格を聞いてみると 『スリータウザン……』

 

なにやら聞くとなんと、1950年代に有名なデザイナーが作った物との事、それがこのART SMITH 。
NYCのアンティーク ジュエリーショップで、数回だけ実物を見た事がありますが、それはそれは高価な値段が付いていました。

 

この手の中では一番有名なArt Smith 、さすがに高くて手が出ませんが。
当店には、同年代以降のモダンなVtアクセサリーなどが入荷予定です。中には著名なデザイナーブランド、見た事の無いデザインなど。

 

お楽しみに。

 

 

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