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Thumbnail-size images of copyrighted artworks are displayed under fair use, in accordance with guidelines recommended by the Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts, published by the College Art Association in February 2015.
Lightbulb necklace
House of Chanel (French, founded 1909)
French
1993–1994
Medium/Technique
Metal, leather, acrylic
Dimensions
Length: chain 81.3 cm (32 in.)
Length: bulb 11.4 cm (4 1/2 in.)
Length: bulb 11.4 cm (4 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Carole Tanenbaum
Accession Number2018.3871
CollectionsEurope, Jewelry, Contemporary Art
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Necklaces and neck bands
DescriptionThis necklace features a realistic incandescent acrylic light bulb pendant suspended from a long curb chain, threaded with black leather. The leather and metal links reference the straps of Chanel's iconic quilted purse, introduced in 1955.
ProvenanceBetween about 1970s and 2018, acquired by Carole Tanenbaum, Toronto, Ontario [see note]; 2018, gift of Carole Tanenbaum to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 12, 2018)
NOTE: This is part of a large collection of costume jewelry given to the MFA in 2018, which had been built over about 40 years.
NOTE: This is part of a large collection of costume jewelry given to the MFA in 2018, which had been built over about 40 years.