Modernist Sculptural Figural Plaque in Rose Gold Tone
Decorative Plaque / Small Ingot · Rose or Bronze-Alloy gold tones, characterized by high copper saturation giving a reddish-brown appearance.
Purity: Likely low karat (9K-10K) or gold-plated/bronze. Visually suggests a high copper content (rose gold) or a bronze/copper base with a aged gold wash.
Type
Decorative Plaque / Small Ingot
Purity
Likely low karat (9K-10K) or gold-plated/bronze. Visually suggests a high copper content (rose gold) or a bronze/copper base with a aged gold wash.
Gold Type
Rose or Bronze-Alloy gold tones, characterized by high copper saturation giving a reddish-brown appearance.
Weight
35 to 65 grams based on the cast thickness and rectangular dimensions.
Description
This unique object is a modernist sculptural plaque featuring two abstracted figures in a horizontal embrace or struggle. The metal exhibits a rich, deep rose-gold patina with an organic, almost volcanic texture. The work is evocative of the 'Creation of Adam' but rendered in a dark, skeletal, or primitive style, making it a compelling piece of metal art for a collector of avant-garde gold or copper alloys.
Key Features
High-relief casting, expressive anatomical abstraction, and a distinctive 'HR' signature mark.
Color & Finish
Matte, antiqued finish with deep coppery-bronze undertones; surface is textured with a cast-sand or rough-hewn finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Potential stylized initials or designer cipher in the bottom right corner (possibly 'HR' or similar) that appears hand-incised or part of the mold.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 4 inches (10cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5cm) in height.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones; features high-relief (alto-rilievo) sculptural metalwork depicting abstracted human or skeletal forms.
Clasp & Closure
None (non-wearable flat object).
Chain & Links
N/A; edge detail is irregular and organically cast rather than precision-milled.
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue) resulting in a one-of-a-kind surface texture and high-detail relief work.
Authentication Indicators
The irregular edges and hand-finished sigil suggest a boutique casting; color suggests a copper-rich alloy like 'red gold' or 'rose gold' rather than pure 24K.
Origin & Maker
Likely a European or American studio artisan; the style is highly individualistic rather than mass-produced bullion.
Era & Period
Modernist / Brutalist era style (mid-to-late 20th century, circa 1960-1980).
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s; aesthetic aligns with the Brutalist art movement popular in mid-century decorative arts.
Cultural Significance
Represents the Brutalist influence in jewelry and small-scale sculpture where the raw, 'honest' materials were prioritized over high-polish perfection.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the piece shows an aged patina and minor surface spots, but no structural cracks or thinning. The texture hides wear well.
Value Estimate
If solid 10K-14K gold: $1,500 - $2,500 based on weight + 20% premium. If bronze/plate: $50 - $150 as a decorative art object.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemicals; clean only with a soft, dry cloth. Do not polish aggressively as it may remove the intentional dark patina in the recesses.
Similar Items
Guy Vidal or Robert Larin jewelry, which uses similar textured cast techniques, though usually in silver or base metals.
Interesting Facts
Items in this style were often produced as one-off artistic expressions or gifts rather than monetary units, often using 'found' gold or scrap metal melted into a new form.