35 - Bracelet with onion blossom motif

Bracelet with onion blossom motif From Benin Without base Copper alloy. H 6.5 cm. Ø 4.9 cm. Provenance: - Galerie Walu, Zurich. - Rudolf and Leonore Blum (1919–2009 / 1923–2013), Zumikon. - Hammer Auction 19, August 23, 2018, Lot 36 - Claudine and Christoph Eichele (1952–2020 & 1949–2026), Brotte-lès-Luxeuil. - Eichele Community of Heirs. In various cultural traditions, the onion symbolizes fertility, vitality, renewal, and protection. As an important commodity, it also represents prosperity and economic success. This elaborately crafted bracelet featuring stylized onion blossoms likely once belonged to a wealthy woman, possibly a successful businesswoman in the onion trade. A comparable piece is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Inv. No. 1988.411.53). -------------------------------- Throughout history, jewelry in a wide variety of forms and materials has accompanied and fascinated people of all cultures. From a cultural perspective, bracelets, anklets, amulets, rings, and necklaces are far more than mere pieces of jewelry. In much of Africa, these masterfully crafted treasures are valued for their beauty, yet these precious ornaments are above all an expression of religious beliefs and symbolize the wearer’s affiliation, status, and faith. In addition, healers prescribe the wearing of protective jewelry to aid in recovery or to ward off misfortune. These treasures were therefore also worn as magical, protective, and empowering objects. In addition to local materials such as gold, silver, copper, iron, stone, ivory, shell, and resin, popular imported goods such as glass, coral, and cowrie shells were also frequently used to create these valuable, one-of-a-kind pieces. Indian stone beads, for example, found their way to Africa early on via Near Eastern trade routes. Later, during Murano’s heyday from the 16th to the 19th century, glass beads of Italian origin were particularly popular. Further Reading: Borel, France (1999). Jewelry: Treasures from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. From the Ghysels Collection. Ostfildern-Ruit: Hatje Cantz. -------------------------------- Claudine Eichele (1952–2020) and Christophe Eichele (1949–2026) As the daughter of René and Denise David, the founders of Galerie Walu in Basel, Claudine Eichele was familiar with non-European art from an early age. From 1970 to 1990, she worked full-time at the gallery and undertook several trips to Africa in the 1980s. She subsequently remained associated with the gallery on and off and on a part-time basis. Christophe Eichele worked as an independent entrepreneur and marketing specialist. In addition, he was involved for many years in fundraising and marketing for the Swiss aid organization Brücke · Le pont. The couple spent their retirement in Brotte, France, where the collection they had built together also found a home. CHF 100 / 200 Weight in grams: 18 Condition: Hammer Auctions places great importance on providing a careful and as precise as possible description of all lots offered in the catalog. Each lot is documented with multiple photographs intended to provide as comprehensive an impression as possible of its condition. This includes, in particular, visible signs of wear, irregularities, and age-related changes. We recommend that all interested parties and bidders carefully examine the photographs before placing a bid, as they form an essential part of the lot description. Furthermore, we recommend viewing the items in person before the auction, if possible. All condition descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief and are based on our professional assessment. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not claim to be exhaustive. In particular, there may be age- or use-related characteristics that are neither explicitly mentioned nor visible in the photographs. Hammer Auctions assumes no liability for unintentional errors or omissions in the condition descriptions to the extent permitted by law. However, we always strive to resolve any ambiguities or concerns in a transparent, fair, and straightforward manner. Should a lot deviate in material respects from its catalog description, Hammer Auctions offers a return option in accordance with the following provisions. Buyers may report such a deviation in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the lot. If the complaint is justified, the lot may be returned by mutual agreement. The purchase price will be refunded in full upon receipt and inspection of the returned item. We are always happy to assist you personally with any questions, additional photographs, or further information.