Jewelry
Object number99.18.1
Artist
Marcia Lewis
Date1976
MediumAluminum; Ebony; Resin
Credit LineGift of Marcia Lewis
DescriptionU-shaped aluminum knee ornament. Hollow, semi-circular form that flares and widens at both ends. One end has flat half-oval shape with ebony and resin inlay on front surface. Resin design in form of anthemion. Other end is wider with highly polished surface in the shape of a half-circle with additional hump on outer edge. This wider end not completely sealed and edge looks like a mouth. Outer surface has brushed finish. On interior an oval aluminum label with engraved heart and letter M.Dimensions4.25 x 4 x 7.5 in. (10.8 x 10.2 x 19.1 cm)MarksOval aluminum label adhered to inside with engraved heart and the letter M inside
Historical NotesThis knee ornament was designed and made by Marcia Lewis, a jewelry designer and professor of metals at the University of California, Long Beach. This was an experimental ornament that she designed in the mid-1970s. Because of the light weight of aluminum she was able to make an ornament to be worn below the knee that would not fall down the leg. She consulted Robert Eganhouse, Manager of Design at Alcoa, for information on working with aluminum.
Related institution
Aluminum Company of America
(1907 - 1998)
On View
On viewCollections
H. Kleber & Bro.
