WILLIAM HARPER, POLYCHROME ENAMEL 'KYOTO I' BROOCH

Consisting of an abstract plaque with opalescent polychrome enamel containing one cultured baroque pearl and one shark tooth. Mounted in silver and gold. 2 1/2 x 2 inches.
Engraved: William Harper 1984 Kyoto I.
Gross weight: 22.40 dwt.

Property from the Collection of Michael Reid Hunter

Born in 1944 in Bucyrus, Ohio, William Harper is one of America’s most important studio craft jewelers. He graduated from Case Western Reserve and the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1967 with a specialty in enamel work. His one-of-a-kind brooches seem prehistoric and futuristic at the same time and feature exceptional intricate cloisonne enamel work and unusual materials.

The Kyoto brooch was purchased by the present owner in May 1990 directly from the artist, William Harper during a visit to his home in Tallahassee, Florida. Michael Reid Hunter had been a student from 1984-1987 at Florida State University specializing in studio art jewelry under William Harper's tutelage.

Measurements: The brooch measures approximately 2 1/2 x 2 inches.
Overall Condition: The bezel and gold strips in the brooch are in high karat gold and the pin back is in 14 karat gold. There is light wear to the brooch. The tooth is loose in its setting.

All lots are sold “AS IS”. Please contact the jewelry department at jewelrycr@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Please note that measurements and opinions on gems are given as a courtesy and are approximated. It is recommended you talk to a specialist or view items in person before placing a bid.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

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Please email jewelrycr@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Sally Klarr, GG

Director, Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches

sallyklarr@hindmanauctions.com 312.334.4215

Ms. Klarr’s passion for jewelry began when she saw the gem collection at the Smithsonian at age 13, and she has since cultivated an expertise in jewelry and its history. She began her career at Christie’s as a Junior Specialist and went on to join Marshall Pierce & Co. in Chicago, culminating in a decade of experience in the auction business, VIP relations, and jewelry and luxury marketing. She earned her Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America in New York and is a graduate of Hillsdale College.

Katie Guilbault, GG

Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches

katieguilbault@freemansauction.com 858.442.6104

Ms. Guilbault is a Graduate Gemologist and has traveled the country evaluating important jewelry collections including antique, period and contemporary pieces. She first joined the firm in 2003, where she became the Director of Jewelry & Watches and Director of Consignments. In 2007, Katie joined Trabert & Hoeffer as an appraiser and sales associate. Following her time at Trabert & Hoeffer, Katie launched a jewelry consulting business, providing fine jewelry appraisal and custom design services. She returned to Freeman's in 2017 as a Senior Specialist of Jewelry & Watches. Katie brings a wealth of valuation experience to Southern California, as she establishes Freeman's expanded presence on the West Coast.

Ruth Thuston, GG

Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches

ruththuston@freemansauction.com 312.447.3268

Ms. Thuston brings to Freeman's over 20 years’ experience in antique, period and estate jewelry having facilitated the selling process for thousands of clients. Her career includes opening the Chicago jewelry department at Heritage Auctions and directing the Chicago office of CIRCA for twelve years. Earlier in her career she sold jewelry and watches for two of Chicago’s leading jewelers, CD Peacock and Sidney Garber. She is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and has a Bachelor of Arts in music from Albion College. Ms. Thuston has received national and chapter awards for her work with the Women’s Jewelry Association and is an executive board member of the Chicago History Museum Costume Council, a candidate member of the National Association of Jewelry appraisers (NAJA), a voting member of the Accredited Gemologist Association (AGA) and member of The American Society of Jewelry Historians.

Important Jewelry

WILLIAM HARPER, POLYCHROME ENAMEL 'KYOTO I' BROOCH

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