A fab and sizeable mid century Brutalist/Modernist round brooch which doubles up as a necklace pendant...
The brooch is made by Uni David-Andersen, Norway, and the design was by Unn Tangerud. The back is signed 'Uni D.A.' for Uni David Andersen, and 'Bronse, Norway, Inv UT.' (bronze, invented by Unn Tangerud). It's circa 1960s vintage.
It's bronze with some lovely criss-cross openwork, geometric and symmetrical, with some diagonal rods, central blobs and textured spaces. The outer shape is like a sunburst. To the back is both a steel pin (with tuck-under hook) for wearing it as a statement brooch, and a hoop to the top for wearing it as a necklace - it would sit well on a 24" to 26" bronzy chain or leather thread.
Very good condition. The large versatile and statement pendant/brooch is 68 x 68mm.
Free P&P with presentation box to the UK.
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In 1959, Uni David-Andersen, the great granddaughter of David-Andersen, Norway, started up a workshop of her own. Together with other female designers such as Unn Tangerud, Uni experimented with new techniques and sculptural styles in jewellery production. The results were both unique pieces and models for larger scale productions at David-Andersen.
The jewellery designs of Unn Tangerud are primitive, sometimes brutalist, and often inspired by ancient Nordic culture. Her materials are silver, bronze, or copper, sometimes with semi-precious stones or enamel. There are repetitions of a motif or patterns, as seen in her bronze and silver jewellery. She was originally trained as a ceramicist at The Norwegian Arts and Crafts School (SHKS) in Oslo, graduating in 1956.