Salvador Dalí 'The Anthropomorphic Cabinet' 18K Yellow Gold Belt Buckle / Sculpture
Belt Buckle / Wearable Sculpture · Yellow Gold; specifically a rich, warm tone consistent with high-karat alloys containing copper and silver.
Purity: 18K (750 fineness); comprised of 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals, traditionally used for high-end designer jewelry.
Type
Belt Buckle / Wearable Sculpture
Purity
18K (750 fineness); comprised of 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals, traditionally used for high-end designer jewelry.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold; specifically a rich, warm tone consistent with high-karat alloys containing copper and silver.
Weight
Estimated between 120 and 180 grams. Given the volume and solid cast appearance, it has significant mass, though many were produced as hollow or semi-hollow shells with brass or bronze substructures.
Description
A rare and provocative piece of wearable art, this belt buckle features a surrealist scene by Salvador Dalí. Two anthropomorphic figures interact within a dreamlike landscape, mirroring the 'cabinet' themes found in his iconic paintings. The heavy 18K gold construction and sand-blasted texture provide a monumental feel in a small scale.
Key Features
Hand-signed Dalí signature, high-relief anthropomorphic figures, 'HR' foundry marks, and an irregular, organic outer frame that deviates from traditional buckle geometry.
Color & Finish
Vivid deep yellow with a textured 'sand-cast' background. The raised figures feature a high-polish burnished finish on high points, while recessed areas show a darker, matte patina consistent with vintage gold.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Engraved 'Dalí' signature and 'HR' (likely for the foundry or producer) visible on the front lower right. Likely features '750' or '18K' stamps and an edition number on the reverse side.
Dimensions Estimate
Height: 80mm; Width: 100mm; Thickness: 5-8mm at peak. Size is classified as oversized statement jewelry.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; the design relies entirely on the sculptural manipulation of the precious metal and the play of light over the relief figures.
Clasp & Closure
Designed as a belt buckle, the reverse would typically feature a metal bar and a prong (stud) for securing into a leather belt strap. These attachments are often made of a sturdier base metal for structural integrity.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; the item features a solid cast perimeter with organic, flowing edges and integrated sculptural hooks at the top corners.
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax casting method followed by hand-burnishing. The texture on the 'ground' of the buckle is deliberately irregular to enhance the surrealist aesthetic, requiring high-skill finishing to ensure the figures stand out from the texture.
Authentication Indicators
The fluid, molten quality of the casting is characteristic of Dalí's jewelry. The specific 'Dalí' engraving and 'HR' mark must match established database records. Red flag: Pitting in the metal could suggest a base-metal cast later plated in gold; XRF testing is vital.
Origin & Maker
Origin: Spain or France. Attributed to Salvador Dalí, often manufactured in collaboration with workshops like Excalibur or Piaget, or licensed foundries under the 'Dalí Joies' collection.
Era & Period
Modernist / Surrealist (post-WWII). Part of Salvador Dalí’s mid-to-late career jewelry designs produced circa the 1970s.
Age Estimate
Likely produced in the 1970s or 1980s based on the signature style and the 'HR' marking evolution.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of high fine art and commercial luxury. This piece symbolizes the 20th-century movement where artists like Picasso and Dalí transformed functional objects into collectible assets.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Shows visible surface scratches and minor dents on the lower edge. High-relief figures show light wear but retain clear definition. Patina is uneven in textured areas.
Value Estimate
Retail valuation ranges from $15,000 to $35,000 depending on the edition number and documented provenance. Its value is driven primarily by its status as a Dalí collectible rather than just its melt weight.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid machine cleaning. Polish only high-relief points with a soft cloth to maintain contrast with the oxidized background. Store in a padded case to prevent the 'clasp' parts from scratching the gold face.
Similar Items
Dalí 'The Persistence of Memory' (Melting Clock) brooch, Henry Moore sculptural jewelry, or modernist gold buckles by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Interesting Facts
Dalí viewed jewelry as 'sculpture for the body.' He once stated that his jewels were a form of protest against the 'unnatural' and 'machine-made' jewelry of the modern era.