Details:
Manufacturer: Gabriël Argy-Roussau
Object: Pendant
Motif: Edelweiss
Style: Art Deco
Material: Molded pâte de verre glass
Color: White, purple, blue, green, and red
Period: 1920 – 1929
Dimensions:
Height: 6,6cm
Width: 5cm
Thickness: 0,6cm
Condition: Perfect condition, including the original silk cord and tassel
Literature:
Janine Bloch-Dermant – G. Argy-Rousseau, Glassware As Art. Page 200
Price: € 1450,-
Description:
Gabriel Argy-Rousseau was a visionary artist and master of pâte de verre, a technique originating in ancient glass art but perfected in the early 20th century as a medium for refined, expressive creations. Pâte de verre allows glass to be cast in molds with extraordinary precision and color gradations. Argy-Rousseau’s designs combine natural motifs with a modernist aesthetic, bridging the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles in a unique way. His pieces, often documented in literature, are celebrated worldwide for their beauty, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.
A remarkable example of his creativity is a pendant from 1924, documented as a masterpiece of his oeuvre. This pendant, crafted in pâte de verre, features a delicate edelweiss flower composed of various glass colors with opaque white petals. The design captures the graceful simplicity and symbolism of this alpine flower, an iconic emblem of purity and natural beauty. The pendant is subtly signed on the front with “G.A.R.,” a hallmark that carries Argy-Rousseau’s name and artistic legacy.
What makes this pendant particularly special is that it is complete with the original purple silk cord. The cord is accentuated at the bottom with an elegant silk tassel, a detail associated with luxury and refinement at the time. This accessory was more than just jewelry; it was a statement piece that underscored the sophistication of its wearer.
In the 1920s, such jewelry was a favorite of avant-garde women exploring new paths in fashion and style. These women, often part of the artistic and cultural elite, used jewelry like this to express their individuality and progressive taste. With a pendant like this, they undoubtedly drew attention at chic salons, fashionable gatherings, and cultural events, where they broke the boundaries of conventional fashion and defined a new elegance.
This pendant by Gabriel Argy-Rousseau is a tangible work of art that embodies the innovation and allure of the Art Deco period. It is a symbol of artistic perfection and a lasting tribute to the women who embraced and championed this avant-garde style. A rare and complete example like this is not merely a piece of jewelry but a piece of history that captures the imagination.
