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Brickwall Knuckleduster
Sharon Massey (American, born in 1977)
American
2018
Medium/Technique
Copper, enamel
Dimensions
Length x width: 11.4 × 1.3 cm (4 1/2 × 1/2 in.)
Height x length: 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.)
Height x length: 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Sharon Massey in memory of Lynda LaRoche
Accession Number2020.157
CollectionsJewelry, Contemporary Art, Americas
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Rings
This four-finger ring is part of Sharon Massey's enameled brickwork series. Architectural in nature, the ring is designed to look like a brick aqueduct. Designed after brass knuckles weaponry, the ring takes up the entire knuckle when worn. As an example of jewelry, this style of ring is known as a knuckleduster and better associated with rappers of the 1990s than contemporary studio jewelers. The combination of artistry and humble materials offer a stark contrast to the bling-ier multi-finger rings in gold and diamond. Over the last 15 years Massey's work has been featured in international exhibitions, books, and collected by museums in both the US and England.
DescriptionThis rectangular four-finger ring depicts a Roman aqueduct with four major arches for the fingers and enamel brickwork.
Provenance2020, gift of the artist to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 26, 2020)