Schiaparelli Monkey Brooch Schlumberger 1938 Circus Balloons Antique Figural For Sale

This extraordinary figural monkey brooch is associated with Elsa Schiaparelli’s celebrated 1938 Circus era and the fantastical jewelry created during the period when Jean Schlumberger was designing for the couturière. The wonderfully theatrical design depicts an acrobatic monkey suspended beneath a cluster of four balloons, turning a small brooch into a miniature scene filled with movement and whimsy.

The dimensional gold-tone monkey has an animated pose with deeply textured fur, an expressive face and elongated limbs reaching toward the colorful balloons. Four raised spherical balloons retain portions of their original red, blue and pale yellow painted finish. Slender openwork stems give the balloons an airy quality while emphasizing the monkey’s swinging pose.

The design reflects the Surrealist wit and circus imagery associated with Schiaparelli’s late-1930s work and the whimsical figural jewelry Schlumberger created during this period. The brooch is unsigned, consistent with examples of early couture-era costume jewelry where a signature was not necessarily present. The reverse features a long pin stem and simple open catch construction, while the aged plating and surviving painted decoration are consistent with considerable age.

Because this is an unsigned piece, attribution is based on the known design, stylistic characteristics and construction rather than the presence of a maker’s signature. It is an exceptional find for a collection focused on Schiaparelli, Jean Schlumberger, Surrealist fashion, circus jewelry or unusual antique figural brooches.

Why You Will Be Obsessed With It

• The swinging monkey and balloons create an unforgettable piece of wearable art.
• The design is associated with Schiaparelli’s legendary 1938 Circus era.
• Whimsical figural imagery captures the Surrealist spirit of late-1930s fashion.
• Original red, blue and pale yellow painted color remains on the dimensional balloons.
• The textured monkey has remarkable detail despite the brooch’s compact size.
• Its aged gold finish gives the piece wonderful authentic antique character.
• It is an exceptionally unusual conversation piece for a serious costume jewelry collection.

Condition

Antique pre-owned condition with substantial age-related surface wear consistent with the photographs. The gold-tone finish displays patina, discoloration and plating wear. The red, blue and pale yellow painted decoration on the balloons shows noticeable chipping, rubbing and paint loss, with additional wear to the colored accent on the monkey’s hand. The reverse shows age-related oxidation and discoloration around portions of the pin hardware. The long pin stem and simple open catch remain present. No obvious major break to the principal figural casting is visible. The surviving original surface and nearly nine decades of wear are part of the character of this unusual piece. Please review all photographs closely.

Measurements

Approximately 2 inches long (5.1 cm). Despite its compact size, the dimensional construction and extended balloon design give the brooch excellent visual presence.

Most items are shipped in a cotton filled jewelry presentation box. Buyers can reach out if they are purchasing as a gift to ensure it is sent in a gift box.

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