Necklace

Robert W. Ebendorf (American, born in 1938)

1985

Medium/Technique Mixed media, styrofoam balls, Chinese paper, rice paper, 24 kt gold foil, lacquer, silver, copper and ebony

Dimensions Overall: 29.2 x 5.1 cm (11 1/2 x 2 in.)

Credit Line The Daphne Farago Collection

Accession Number2006.138

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsJewelry, Contemporary Art, Americas

ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Necklaces and neck bands

Robert Ebendorf's figurative work of the 1960s and early 1970s gave way to a succession of experimental forms and styles; this necklace of 1985, made of Styrofoam balls covered with Chinese newspaper and gold leaf, reveals his gift for transforming ephemeral materials into unexpectedly stunning objects. Ebendorf's inventive, iconoclastic use of materials and his distinguished teaching career influenced the work of many studio jewelers in the next generation.

DescriptionNecklace is comprised of thirteen round beads, each, 2" in diameter. Eleven are covered in printed Chinese rice paper, two in gold foil with black and red painted designs. Large beads separated by small ebony beads.

Signed " R Ebendorf" is stamped on small hanging plaque

ProvenanceRobert W. Ebendorf to Daphne Farago, February 20, 1991 Daphne Farago; to MFA, 2006, gift of Daphne Farago.