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Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Turning Point of Thirst
oil on canvas
1934
Victor Brauner
Romanian, 1903–1966

#victorbrauner #art #modernart #surrealism #turningpointofthirst #dated1934 #Paris #france #surrealistart #painting #surrealistpainting #modernistpainting #oilpainting

Upon settling in Paris in 1930, Victor Brauner established a deep friendship with the artist Yves Tanguy, who introduced him to the Surrealist circle. Three years later, Brauner joined the group with the support of Tanguy, and his 1934 solo show at the Galerie Pierre, for which André Breton wrote the catalogue introduction, solidified his position. Like other Surrealists of the period, such as Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, Brauner was inspired by dreams, the unconscious, and mysticism, as well as diverse religions and ancient mythologies. Such influences are present in the artist’s Turning Point of Thirst, one of the works included in his 1934 exhibition. Of this work, Brauner wrote that “representing this personage in withered tatters expresses unremitting solitude and should pound the senses.”

December 4, 2025 at 10:20 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

A one of a kind sterling silver abstract brutalist modernist brooch by Dieter Muller-Stach circa 1960s/70s - purchased from the artist's estate.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #oneofakind #sterlingsilver #brooch #pin #brutalistjewelry #dietermullerstach #california #art

A one of a kind vintage 1960s 70s handmade sterling silver brutalist modernist brooch by Long Beach California professor/artist/sculptor/metalsmith Dieter Muller-Stach. Entirely handmade even the pin mechanism at back! Square-shaped openwork lattice design with overlapping irregular-shaped strips of silver that have been given various surface textures by the artist! A big bold brooch that makes a statement! The artist was born in 1935 in Germany where he studied jewelry-making and metal-smithing at the Art Academy in Munich. He taught in Ghana for six years before coming to CSULB in Long Beach California to teach jewelry-making in the Art Department in 1968 where he joined Al Pine among others at the forefront of the studio jewelry movement in California. His work appeared in California Design, American Craft magazine, and in books including Oppi Untracht's encyclopedic book, "Jewelry Concepts and Technology", among other publications, and his sculpture metalwork and jewelry designs are in both private and museum collections. He retired in 2003, and passed away in 2011, and this item was purchased from his estate shortly after. (See my last photo of the artist as a young man, about the time that he started his career in metalsmithing.) An incredible one of a kind design, this brooch will make quite a statement when worn! Measures 2-1/8" across by 2-1/8" tall, and weighs a substantial 19.2 grams total. Unmarked. As noted above this item was purchased directly from the artists studio after his death, and may be a prototype or perhaps from his personal collection. In any case, an outstanding vintage modernist piece of wearable art by an elite proponent of California design in the mid 20th century! Excellent vintage condition.

December 4, 2025 at 10:04 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Rhodonite from
Mina do Morro mine
Minas Gerais, Brazil

#rhodonite #minadomorro #minasgerais #Brazil #gemstone #mineral #mineralspecimen #mineralogy #gemology #gemspecimen #nature #beauty #red #crystal

December 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

A quirky one of a kind handmade sterling silver and dangling nut wood orbs Hippie modernist bangle bracelet.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #oneofakind #quirky #unique #sterlingsilver #nutwood #hippie #modernist #bangle #bracelet #wearableart #vintagemodern #modernism

A quirky one of a kind vintage 1960s 70s handmade sterling silver and nut wood Hippie modernist bracelet likely from the Bay Area of California. Entirely handmade hand forged sterling silver band with seven lucky nut wood drops around the rim in various shades of natural brown. Lots of movement when worn, and quite a striking modernist design! Measures 2.5" by 2.25" inner diameters, so will fit up to about a medium woman's wrist, and weighs 30.5 grams total. Unmarked which was quite common among Hippie artisans of that era. Excellent vintage condition.

December 4, 2025 at 9:53 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Wé-Guéré (Ngere) / Wobé mask
wood, pigment, fiber
early 20th century
Ivory Coast

#weguere #ngere #wobe #mask #africanart #tribalart #ivorycoast #tribal #mask #tribalmask #africanmask #wegueremask #wobemask

December 4, 2025 at 9:42 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

A sculptural one of a kind handmade sterling silver and carved wood biomorphic modernist pendant circa 1950s.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #oneofakind #statementjewelry #pendant #modernistjewelry #modernism #mcm #vintagemodern #wearableart #jewelrydesign #sterling #wood

A sculptural vintage 1950s one of a kind handmade sterling silver and carved dark wood biomorphic modernist pendant. Entirely handmade hand carved dark wood that has been wrapped and pierced with sterling wire that also forms the bail at top! So sculptural and simple, but really makes a statement! Purchased with other pieces of mcm modernist wood jewelry including a signed pendant necklace by NYC artist-jeweler Adda Husted-Andersen, but this pendant is unmarked. Measures 3" long by about 1" at widest. Tested and guaranteed to be as described. From the estate of a NYC collector who travelled the world for her career in publishing and purchased interesting and unique jewelry and objects along the way. Excellent vintage condition.

December 4, 2025 at 9:35 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Globe and Banjo
oil on canvas
1930
Jean Metzinger
French, 1883-1956

#jeanmetzinger #france #modernart #modernism #art #artwork #painting #oilpainting #cubist #dada #globeandbanjo #dated1930

December 1, 2025 at 7:43 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

A large handmade carved wood and sterling silver wire modernist Boomerang design pendant still on the original black leather cord by Adda Husted-Andersen NYC circa 1950s.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#addahustedandersen #nyc #biomorphic #boomerang #pendant #modernistjewelry #art

An iconic vintage 1950s one of a kind handmade sterling silver and carved wood boomerang modernist pendant necklace by Danish-American artist/enamelist/silversmith Adda Husted-Andersen (1898-1990). Super rare iconic boomerang mid century modern design entirely handmade hand carved from a dark wood with hammered silver wire pierced the boomerang, and still hanging on the original black leather cord! Purchased with other pieces of mcm wood jewelry that are possibly also by the artist but are unsigned - see my other listings in my Ruby Lane shop. Husted-Andersen taught in NYC at the Craft Student's League and her work was exhibited as part of the 1946 landmark exhibition, "Modern Handmade Jewelry" at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC in 1946 which also featured the work of Alexander Calder, Margaret de Patta, Sam Kramer, Annette Nancarrow, etc.
This unique wearable modern art pendant measures 2.75" long by 1.75" wide, and still hangs on the original 36" black leather cord. Weighs just over 10 grams total. Marked at back on the wood with the conjoined AA maker mark for Husted-Andersen. From the estate of a NYC collector who travelled the world for her career in publishing and purchased interesting and unique jewelry and objects along the way. Excellent vintage condition.

December 1, 2025 at 7:40 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

The Red Yogini, Vajrayogini;
pigments on cloth
19th century
Tibet
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art

#tantra #tantricart #tibet #19thcentury #pigments #cloth #artwork #tantricartwork #theredyogini #vajrayogini #rubinmuseumofhimalayanart

The vajra is a ritual scepter used in tantric practices and an attribute of tantric masters and deities. It generally symbolizes method, the male aspect of enlightenment, and is depicted throughout Himalayan art.
Can you see a vajra in the hand of the Red Yogini, Vajrayogini in the artwork? This deity embodies female power and the wisdom of understanding the ultimate reality as explained in Buddhist tantric teachings. Both a staff (katvanga) topped by three heads, and a scepter (vajra) rests on her left shoulder, symbolizing her absent consort Chakrasamvara.

December 1, 2025 at 7:37 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Untitled sculpture
contemporary glass
Natasha Hermans
Belgium

#handmade #oneofakind #glass #glassart #sculpture #glasssculpture #unique #geometric #postmodernist #art #natashahermans #belgium #contemporaryglass

December 1, 2025 at 7:32 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

A sculptural one of a kind handmade sterling silver and carved ebony wood biomorphic modernist pendant - would look great on a chain, a black cord, or a neckring!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#biomorphic #modernistjewelry #handmade #oneofakind #pendant #wearableart #art #ebony

A sculptural one of a k ind vintage 1940s 50s handmade sterling silver and carved wood biomorphic modernist pendant. An incredible piece, entirely handmade, and really makes a statement! Sculpted hand carved wood in the style of such great biomorphic artists as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Jean Arp, and Isamu Noguchi! Held at center by crab claw-like prongs in a rounded rectangular frame with the prongs piercing the frame and becoming almost like little feet at the bottom, and the top prong becomes the bail at top. Measures 2.5" tall by 1.5" wide, and weighs 10.2 grams total. Unmarked. Tested and guaranteed to be as described. No doubt a one of a kind piece of wearable modernist art jewelry originally sold in an art gallery or fair with accompanying paperwork that has been lost over the years. In any case, you'll never see another! From the estate of a NYC collector who travelled the world for her job in the publishing industry. Would look equally great on a black cord, a silver chain, or a neckring! I can provide a black cord at no extra charge if needed, just let me know when making the purchase. Excellent vintage condition.

December 1, 2025 at 7:25 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

'The Two Philosophers'
oil on copper
1936
Joan Miró
Spanish, 1893–1983

#joanmiro #art #modernart #painting #modernism #thetwophilosophers #dated1936 #artwork #20thcenturyart #spain #spanishmodernism #spanishmodernist

November 29, 2025 at 7:01 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Peridot from
Suppat Valley, Pakistan

#peridot #green #gemstone #gemology #crystal #mineral #mineralogy #geology #suppatvalley #pakistan #nature #beauty #mineralspecimen

November 29, 2025 at 6:57 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

La Virgen de Guadalupe
mixed metals (sterling, brass), wood
circa 1950s
Emaus workshop
designed by Ernesto Paulsen Camba
Cuernavaca, Mexico

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#virgendeguadalupe #emaus #mexicanmodernism #religiousart #hechoenmexico #modernism #vintagemodern #sculpture

A superb vintage 1950s 60s handmade mixed metals silver bronze and red wood on a dark wood base Mexican modernist La Virgen de Guadalupe wall hanging art by the Emaus workshop of Cuernavaca Mexico also known as Emaus and the Talleres Monasticos. Made entirely by hand using silver and bronze overlaid on a rectangular dark wood base, and the 'face' 'hands' and 'feet' of the figure are carved from redwood. Designed by Ernesto Paulsen Camba (1925-2006) who was a Mexican modernist sculptor/architect/designer, and who provided designs for the Emaus workshop in the 1950s. His architectural and design work was a major part of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, and he was a contemporary of Clara Porset, Van Beuren and Shoemaker, among others. Probably one of the most stunning pieces of religious art that I've seen by Emaus! Measures 10" tall by 4.75" wide by just under 1" thickest point. Has a carved inlet at back for hanging, and still retains original label and price tag as shown. Excellent vintage condition.

November 29, 2025 at 6:54 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

'Orca' vessel
pottery, glaze
100 BCE to 800 CE
Nazca culture
Peru

#nazcaculture #peru #precolumbian #prehispanic #pottery #vessel #ancientart #art #ceramic #orca #precolumbianart #precolumbianpottery #nazca #nazcapottery #nazcaart #ancientperu

The Nazca culture, which flourished in ancient Peru from about 100–800 C.E., is known for its large-scale desert geoglyphs (the Nazca Lines), sophisticated underground aqueducts called puquios, and advanced polychrome pottery. The Nazca people developed intricate art, including elaborate ceramics with detailed designs of nature, and a religious system centered around nature, with rituals likely involving processions on the lines and the use of hallucinogenic plants. They used their desert environment to their advantage, creating the lines by removing the dark topsoil, and using the arid climate for preserving their dead.
This vessel features a dark red bow and handle, contrasting with the container's black body. The polished finish and precision in detail reflect the remarkable technical mastery of the potters of the era.
On each side of the body is depicted a stylized orca (one of the most important and powerful creatures of its iconography. This is not exactly referring to the modern orca, but a mythical being combining traits of real cetaceans with supernatural elements) executed in different shades of color and shown holding a trophy head. This marine being occupies a prominent place within the Nasca iconography, where it symbolizes strength, control of the waters, and ritual power. Motif stylization, balanced composition, and intentional use of chromatic contrast demonstrate a sophisticated handling of visual language.
Beyond its possible ceremonial function, the piece functions as a symbolic stand expressing notions of prestige, transformation, and power. The iconography plastered in the ceramics of this great culture reveals the deep relationship between South Coast communities and the natural world, especially the marine realm, which played a central role in its worldview.

November 29, 2025 at 6:47 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

The famous 'Cubist Guitar' copper brooch by Francisco Rebajes of NYC circa 1950s - measures 3" long!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#franciscorebajes #nyc #rebajescopper #copperjewelry #handmade #wearableart #cubistguitar #brooch #jewelrydesign #vintage1950s #mcm #modernistjewelry

A very large and rare vintage 1950s handmade copper modernist Guitar design brooch pin by Francisco Rebajes of NYC. One of the rarer and more sought-after designs by Rebajes from the period! Constructed of solid copper that has been oxidized (black) in the recesses, and then given a clear coating to prevent tarnishing. 'Frank' Rebajes was one of the earliest self-trained studio metalsmiths in the US, starting back in the early 1930s. He quickly went from selling his idiosyncratic jewelry creations on the street to a posh and stylish showroom on 5th Avenue in the 1940s! He sold his business in 1958, and moved to Torremolinos Spain where he worked on his famous Ovulos sculptures and one of a kind pieces of jewelry and decorative art.
This brooch measures 3" long by 1-1/2" wide. Could also be worn as a pendant with the addition of a bail-ring at top. Marked at back, "Rebajes" with his unique stylized mark. Excellent vintage condition.

November 29, 2025 at 6:37 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Luba or Luba-Kusu
Power Figurine
wood, metal, antelope horns
early 20th century
Congo (DRC)

#art #sculpture #luba #lubakusu #congo #DRC #africa #africanart #powerfigure #ritual #magic #protection #divination #revenge #tribal #tribalart #tribalsculpture #africansculpture

November 28, 2025 at 6:32 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Super unique no doubt one of a kind mixed metals modernist brooch signed by the maker circa 1970.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #oneofakind #mixedmetals #modernist #brooch #wearableart #studiojewelry #jewelrydesign #statementjewelry #vintagemodern #modernism #pin #art

A sculptural one of a kind vintage 1960s 70s signed handmade mixed metals (sterling, copper, bronze) modernist dimensional design brooch pin. Such a unique piece unlike anything that I've seen before! A ring of jagged copper that resembles flames over a gilded bronze section with etched details, and from which emerges a copper dome on one side of which is a bronze disk from which emerges several bronze bead-tipped wires. I can't help but think that this is some kind of celestial model, maybe a sun flare, or a comet sinking into the sun? Or maybe an abstract composition with no figurative message. I can't say for sure, but the craftsmanship is astounding! Measures 3-1/8" widest by 2.5" diameter by about 1" depth at thickest point. Marked at back with cutout crescent moon shape and a dot, an unusual maker mark that I haven't seen before. No doubt originally sold in an art gallery or fair with accompanying paperwork or labeling for the maker that has been lost over the years. In any case, a fantastic one of a kind piece of wearable modernist art by a talented designer/metalsmith! Excellent vintage condition.

November 28, 2025 at 6:28 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Rhodochrosite with Quartz
Sweet Home Mine
Colorado, USA.

#rhodocrosite #crystals #mineral #quartz #sweethomemine #colorado #usa #gemstone #mineralspecimen #gemology #mineralogy #geology #nature #beauty #red #colorless

November 28, 2025 at 2:58 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

JINGASA helmet
carved lacquered wood, cloth straps
Edo period, 19th century
Japan

#jingasa #helmet #carved #lacquered #wood #Japan #edoperiod #19thcentury #militaria #japaneseantiques #antique #art #craft

A light helmet worn by samurai and ashigaru (foot soldiers), the jingasa served both as protection and as a distinctive mark. This example, crafted in lacquered wood, bears a mon (clan emblem) indicating its owner's affiliation.
The jingasa thus embodies the alliance between military utility and aesthetic refinement
characteristic of Japan during the Edo period.

November 28, 2025 at 2:22 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Major Events of the Buddha's Life
12th century
"Andagu" stone with pigments
India
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art

#art #ancientart #buddhism #buddhist #buddha #carved #stone #buddhaslife #buddhistart #indianart

November 27, 2025 at 2:47 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

Some new vintage modernist items in my shop.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/shop/califor...

#vintagemodern #jewelry #modernistjewelry #handmade #sterlingsilver #acrylic #enamel #oneofakind #bracelet #ring #cufflinks #modernism #danishmodern #statementjewelry #wearableart #artistjewelry #sculpture

November 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM

Patrick Kapty

@patrickkapty.bsky.social

The Stone Eye: I saw
found stone, acrylic, wax
1965
Tatsuo Ikeda
Japanese, 1928-2020

Tatsuo Ikeda was a Japanese avant-garde artist active in the Japanese postwar art scene, his works adopted a surrealist sensibility deeply grounded in social and political critique.

#tatsuoikeda #surrealist #art