Vintage Harold FITHIAN Sterling GRAPE Cut Out Cufflinks MidCentury 1950s Grapes

Description

With the clean lines and elegant design that characterize the best mid-century modern studio jewelry, these great vintage cuff links are by multi-talented Southern California artist Harold Clifton Fithian (1905 - 1972).
His cufflinks with cut out or shadowbox designs are among his most appealing and this design, with its fabulous grapes, might just be the Best of the Best.
With effective use of negative space, the artist cut the design of a bunch of grapes, cascading from and surrounded by grape leaves and tendrils of vine, out of the top layer of silver and oxidized the background below dark black for contrast, definition and a shadow box effect.  The design really POPS, as it will on your cuff!  And the leaf and vine curlicue design is echoed in a scrolling vine pattern on the faces of the
edges
of the 3-D links, a small but important design detail that adds immeasurably, another dimension in fact, to the look of these handsome cufflinks.
Grapes have a long history and wine and grapes symbolize good fortune, inspiration and fertility, among other things.  The lush, sensual bunch of grapes has been a favored subject of artists throughout the ages and these cufflinks are a wonderful example.
Fithian was an actor and a musician, as well as a maker of jewelry, which he produced in the fifties and early sixties.  Interestingly, he also became active in social justice issues in the Great Depression and in the forties, traveled with Woodie Guthrie and others union-organizing farm workers, among other activities.
The links are signed on a narrow surface of the findings "fi Sterling Plaque" which is one of Fithian's signatures.  (Last photo.)
They measure about 7/8" diameter by about 3/16" deep.  They are beautifully made and weigh 17.8 grams.
They are in Very Good vintage condition with scratches, surface dirt and tarnish, including a discolored area on the
back
of one face (that does not look like a repair) and patina on the silver, more noticeable at some angles to the light, I have not attempted to remove.  They would benefit from polishing but have a lovely vintage patina with that great oxidation; cleaning and polishing are left to the buyer's discretion.
With their interesting lines and excellent design and craftsmanship, these outstanding cuff links are wearable works of art.  They would make a terrific gift - perfect for a wine aficionado or for anyone who ever enjoys a glass - although I doubt you will want to part with them and will come to you in a gift box, just in case.  They belong equally in collections of modernist design, mid-century silver, studio jewelry, grape or wine motifs and of course, cufflinks.  Here is a fine opportunity to own a spectacular cut out Grape design from one of California's renowned artists that will enhance your collection - and your cuffs.
Please see our other listings for more great vintage jewelry, including cufflinks.
Never a handling fee
.
Insured USPS First Class Shipping .99 (in a hard-sided box,
not
one of those flimsy bubble mailers) or Priority .99.  Both methods include gift box.  No additional charge for combined shipping on jewelry items.  No limit!
Powered by SixBit's eCommerce Solution