Necklace c. 20th century

This anonymous necklace, with its gently patinated silver, invites touch and intimacy. Look at the way the maker strung the beads, each one a discrete unit, yet contributing to the whole. It reminds me how art-making is all about process, those small, incremental steps that add up to something bigger. The surface is aged, with subtle gradations from bright metal to dull grey, each bead having its own story. And those little squash blossoms hanging down? Each one is like a tiny sculpture, a burst of potential. The naja, the crescent-shaped pendant, acts like a protective amulet, a grounding force in all this delicate beauty. For me, this piece is a reminder that art isn't just about skill; it's about connection, about the human touch. It shares the qualities of the work of Tara Donovan, who also repeats modular forms into larger structures. It's about embracing imperfection and letting the process guide the way.