$711
Art Deco Chrome and Galalith Necklace, Jakob Bengel, the abstract pendant with red Galalith suspended from a chrome stovepipe chain, lg. 19 1/2 in. Note: Founded in 1873 in Idar Oberstein, the Jakob Bengel Company became one of the eminent producers of Machine Age jewelry in the 1930s. Examples of this work are referenced in European Designer Jewelry , by Ginger Moro, p. 126, and Art Deco Jewelry , by Christianne Weber. Bengel is credited with the invention of Galalith or "Milchstein," later known as Bakelite abroad. Bengel's work has a formality and functionality often associated with Bauhaus, as well as a high standard of workmanship and purity of design. A collection of Bengel jewelry is to be exhibited at the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in Decorative Arts, in cooperation with the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, date to be announced.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2010-03-16
