Patrick Kapty
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patrickkapty.bsky.social
Patrick Kapty
@patrickkapty.bsky.social
1.4K followers 1.3K following 1.4K posts
Author, historian, curator, reseller - I sell wearable and other art, and I am fascinated by cultures and artifacts from around the world!
My shop is: California Dreaming Art Jewelry Etc:
https://www.rubylane.com/shop/california-dreamin-art-jewelry-etc
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
November 25, 2025 at 6:03 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Tourmaline & Lepidolite
Pederneira Mine
Brazil

#tourmaline #lepidolite #mineral #gemstone #gemology #mineralogy #mineralspecimen #brazil #pederneiramine #nature #beauty #green #pink #geology
November 25, 2025 at 5:57 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
SEPIK MASK
Bahinemo 'Garra' Hook Mask
wood, pigments
early 20th century
Hunstein Mountain Range
Papua New Guinea

#mask #hookmask #sepik #papuanewguinea #carved #wood #pigments #early20thcentury #tribal #oceanic #art #tribalart #oceanicart
November 25, 2025 at 5:54 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
SILVER BOWL
Attributed to Masayoshi
Japan
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Stamped pure silver

#Japan #finesilver #bowl #meijiperiod #masayoshio #japanesesilver #japaneseantiques #metalsmith #japanesecraft #metalworking #silversmith
November 25, 2025 at 5:12 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A super rare one of a kind vintage 1950s Johannan Peter Ein Hod Israel ceramic abstract modernist artwork.

Available...

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

#modernart #modernist #ceramicart #johannanpeter #einhod #Israel #vintagemodern #artwork #modernart #modernism #israelimodern #oneofakind #1950s
A super rare one of a kind vintage 1950s handmade ceramic abstract modernist wall-hanging artwork by metalsmith/ceramicist Johannan Peter of the Ein Hod artist colony in Northern Israel. Johannan Peter designed and made jewelry in silver which he sometimes combined with small ceramic 'jewels'. He also made ceramic artworks like this one which are kiln-fired ceramic plaques that are painted with glaze in abstract designs resembling an oil painting. The artwork also has embedded bronze dots on the surface that are part of the composition. Johannan Peter was one of the founders of the Ein Hod artist colony in the 1950s along with Marcel Janco and Jean (Hans) Arp. Peter and Arp collaborated on a series of jewelry designs in the 1950s that were designed by Arp but realized in metal by Peter in his idiosyncratic manner. To the best of my knowledge, Johannan Peter never put any of his designs into production, and his pieces, both jewelry and artworks, are entirely handmade and one of a kind. This artwork measures roughly 14" by 10" at outer edges of the frame by 1" thick. The ceramic section at center measures 7-5/8" tall by 3-3/4" wide visible, though it may extend further underneath the framing. Looks to be the original framing from the period. Has a small sticker at back marked "Peter Ein-Hod Israel". The artwork itself is all original and untouched, though I have touched up the gilding to the wood frame slightly, and it is ready to hang. Purchased from an estate in Israel. Excellent vintage condition.
November 24, 2025 at 5:52 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Hotei figure
hand painted porcelain
Edo period circa 1700
Japan

#hotei #budai #clothsack #japan #edoperiod #porcelain #goodoffortune #goodluck #handpainted #japaneseexport #happygod
The corpulent deity is laughing, comfortably seated on his sack his left hand holding it, his right hand resting on his knee. His jolly countenance is accentuated by a slight frown and a small tilt of the head. The figure is decorated in iron-red, blue, green and black enamels. Hotei, known in China as Budai, was a 9th or 10th century Chinese Zen Buddhist monk, who was later deified as a god of good fortune. Hotei is recognizable by his large belly and his-equally large bag containing his possessions which he carries everywhere. His name is a pun: Hotei literally means "cloth sack". Hotei became a favorite subject for Japanese and Chinese artists as early as the 13th century. From the late 17th to early 18th century, porcelain figures were shipped to Europe from Japan, ordered by the Dutch East India Company and the private trade. They were models of human figures, animals, mythical creatures and gods. Including Hotei, the god of good fortune and happiness.
November 24, 2025 at 4:22 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A biomorphic modernist ceramic platter/artwork by Aviva Margalit of the Ein Hod artist colony in Israel - measures 12" wide!

Available...

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

#biomorphic #modernist #ceramic #platter #avivamargalit #einhod #Israel #ceramicart #oneofakind #art #vintagemodern #modernism
A biomorphic modernist vintage 1950s handmade studio pottery abstract design tray/artwork by ceramicist Aviva Margalit of the Ein Hod colony in Israel. Ein Hod became an artists' colony in 1953. The driving spirit behind the project was Marcel Janco, an acclaimed Dada artist, who kept the village from being demolished by the security forces and convinced the government to let him build an artists' colony there instead. In 1957, in close proximity to one another, Itche Mambush and his wife Aviva Margalit opened pottery workshops in Ein Hod Artists Village, see my last photo for a short biography of the artist from the Information Center for Israeli Artists. Ten Ein Hod residents have won the Israel Prize, awarded annually on Israel Independence Day, including Genia Berger, one of the founders of the colony who won the prize in 1953, Zahara Schatz, for painting and sculpture in 1955, and Marcel Janco, for painting in 1967. According to Robert Nechin, who lives in the village, the artists working there today "are fully aware of the illustrious example of these great artists and scholars, who lived and are still living among them. This exceptional tray measures 12" across by 9.75" tall by 1.5" high at the rim. Signed at back as shown in the photos, "Margalit Ein-Hod Israel". Excellent vintage condition.
November 24, 2025 at 4:16 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
'Josephine Baker' sculpture
wire on wood base
1926
Alexander Calder
(1898-1976)

#sculpture #wiresculpture #modernart #modernsculpture #josephinebaker #circa1926 #alexandercalder #20thcenturysculpture #americancraft #metalsmith
November 24, 2025 at 3:23 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
"Saragossa"
hand blown glass
1954
Dino Martens design
Aureliano Toso
Murano, Italy

#murano #muranoglass #handblown #glass #artglass #italianglass #sculpture #art #glasssculpture #dinomartens #aurelianotoso
November 23, 2025 at 5:09 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
The Hindu god, Ganesh aka Ganesha aka Ganapati, the Remover of Obstacles, the God of Beginnings, the patron of the Arts, Sciences, and Wisdom - this bronze is from Central Java circa 8th century CE.

#ganesh #ganesha #ganapati #hindu #god #luck #bronze #hindubronze #ancientart #java #indonesia
A Javanese bronze from the 8th century CE of the Hindu god, Ganesh. Ganesh, also known as Ganapati, is a widely revered Hindu deity easily recognized by his elephant head and human body. He is considered the lord of beginnings, the remover of obstacles, and the patron of arts, sciences, and wisdom. Ganesh is also a significant figure in Jainism and Buddhism, and he is the Supreme God for the Hindu Ganapatya sect. He is often depicted with an elephant head, a pot belly, a single broken tusk, and multiple arms holding symbolic items like a noose and an elephant goad. Ganesh is famously fond of sweets, especially modaks, which are often offered to him. A famous myth describes him as the scribe who wrote the epic Mahabharata on the condition that the sage Vyasa would recite it without stopping; when his pen broke, he broke off one of his tusks to continue writing, earning him the name "Vignahara" (remover of obstacles). The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates his birth and involves creating clay idols of him, which are worshipped for up to 10 days before being immersed in water in a ritual called Visarjan.
November 23, 2025 at 1:26 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A museum quality sterling, copper, brass and moonstone carving fork by NYC artist-jeweler Paul Marcero dated 1985 - measures 15.5" long and weighs over 11 ounces!

Available...

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

#metalart #art #handmade #oneofakind #paulmarcero #nyc #museumquality #mixedmetals #fork
A museum quality one of a kind vintage 1980s signed handmade mixed metals (sterling, copper, brass) and moonstone carving fork by NYC artist/jeweler Paul Marcero. Entirely handmade hand fabricated and hammered one of a kind piece of wearable modern metal art for the table, or just to display in a case as the true piece of art that it is! The artist started with an antique cast-iron two-tined fork section that has a swiveling piece to grip onto whatever is being carved, and then he created a one of a kind work of art for the handle! Composed of copper and brass with decorative grommets piercing the handle along its length, and with a sterling silver decorative section where the handle grips the fork mechanism, and that is set with a cabochon moonstone on one side as shown. Please view my photos for the many many details of this work of art! Here's a short bio of the artist: Paul Marcero was born in NYC in 1952. He studied under Albert Paley at the State University of New York at Brockport where he graduated in 1974. He studied under Dave Pimentel at Arizona State until 1976. He opened his own workshop in NYC where he was in business for about 20 years. He and his wife moved to Wilkes Barre where he had his own shop for several years, and later freelanced for various jewelers in the area until he retired in 2022. I purchased this carving fork directly from the artist, and most of the information here is from him. Measures 15.5" long by 2" deep by 1-1/8" wide, and weighs 318 grams or just about 11.25 ounces total. Marked at back with the artist signature, a conjoined "PM", and "1985". This item was no doubt used by the artists family for special occasions, and there is fine light wear and some very very small dings along some of the edges, but really nothing that is at all noticeable and no damage or detractors whatsoever as shown.
November 23, 2025 at 1:12 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Raven Rattle
carved wood, pigment
late 19th century
Tlingit culture
Fort Wrangell, Alaska

#tlingit #raven #rattle #carved #wood #late19thcentury #fortwrangell #alaska #tribalart #nativeamerican #handmade #art #craft
Tlingit culture is a matrilineal society with a rich tradition of art, oratory, and spirituality, organized around two moieties (Raven and Eagle-Wolf), each containing numerous clans. Their culture is deeply connected to the sea and forests of the Pacific Northwest, with a strong emphasis on family, kinship, and giving. Key cultural practices include the potlatch (or ku.éex'), which is a ceremonial feast, and the creation of intricate art like totem poles and bentwood boxes, often depicting clan crests.
November 23, 2025 at 12:14 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A smokey amethyst scepter
from Brandberg region, Namibia

#smokeyquartz #amethyst #quartz #gemstone #gemology #mineral #mineralspecimen #mineralogy #geology #purple #brown #crystal #scepter #brandbergmountain #namibia #nature #beauty #amethystcrystal
Smokey quartz and amethyst are both varieties of quartz, and in this example are found grown together. A lovely amethyst and smokey quartz scepter from the Brandberg region of Namibia.
November 21, 2025 at 4:39 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Two views of a monumental one of a kind sterling silver kinetic modernist brooch by Paul Marcero of NYC circa 1973 - measures 4.75" tall!

Available...

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

#paulmarcero #nyc #handmade #wearableart #vintagemodern #modernistjewelry #brooch #kineticjewelry #jewelrydesign
A huge one of a kind vintage 1970s signed handmade sterling silver kinetic modernist brutalist brooch by NYC artist/jeweler Paul Marcero. Entirely handmade hand fabricated and hammered one of a kind piece of wearable modern art! An incredible exercise in composition and craftsmanship, this was a student piece by the artist while at SUNY - Brockport where he graduated from the jewelry/metal arts program. When worn, the long dangles move freely with the movement of the wearer! Here's a short bio of the artist: Paul Marcero was born in NYC in 1952. He studied under Albert Paley at the State University of New York at Brockport where he graduated in 1974. He studied under Dave Pimentel at Arizona State until 1976. He opened his own workshop in NYC where he was in business for about 20 years. He and his wife moved to Wilkes Barre where he had his own shop for several years, and later freelanced for various jewelers in the area until he retired in 2022. I purchased this brooch directly from the artist, and most of the information here is from him. Measures 4.75" tall by 2-5/8" wide, and weighs 29.7 grams or just about one ounce total. Marked at back with the artist signature, a conjoined "PM", also "Sterling" and "1973". Excellent vintage condition.
November 21, 2025 at 4:27 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Ceramic platter
circa 1950s
Robert Deblander
(1922-2008)
France

#ceramic #art #modernart #robertdeblander #platter #abstract #modernistceramics #vintage1950s #handmade #ceramicart #oneofakind #sculpture #frenchdesign #frenchceramics #midcenturyfrance #frenchmodernism #modernism #moderndesign
Robert Deblander (1922-2008) French ceramist, a leading figure in the post-war stoneware renaissance and contemporary ceramic art. Graduating from the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 1944, Robert Deblander immersed himself in pottery through various apprenticeships, notably under Pierre Pigaglio in Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye. Establishing his own studio in Neuilly-sur-Seine in 1949, Deblander's work evolved from 1950s aesthetics to sculptural stoneware pieces reminiscent of Brancusi or Gilioli. His later works introduced color and experimentation with porcelain, earning him recognition, including the 2002 Liliane Bettencourt Prize for Ceramic Arts.
November 21, 2025 at 4:23 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Korwar Figure
carved wood with shell inlay
19th to early 20th century
Geelvink Bay, West Papua New Guinea

#tribal #oceanic #tribalart #oceanicart #indonesia #papuanewguinea #korwar #ancestorfigure #religion #ritual #ancestorworship #geelvinkbay #carvedwood #shell #antique
November 21, 2025 at 4:13 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Rhodochrosite mineral specimen
Colorado, USA

#crystal #rhodochrosite #mineral #mineralspecimen #gemstone #mineralogy #gemology #geology #nature #beauty #red #usa #rhodochrositecrystals
November 20, 2025 at 6:32 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A huge sterling silver and pearl kinetic modernist Shooting Star design brooch by NYC artist-jeweler Paul Marcero - measures 3.75"!

Available...

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

#oneofakind #handmade #wearableart #art #jewelrydesign #brooch #pin #paulmarcero #metalsmith #americancraft #modernism
A sculptural one of a kind vintage 1980s signed handmade sterling silver and pearl kinetic modernist Shooting Star design brooch by NYC artist/jeweler Paul Marcero. Entirely handmade hand fabricated one of a kind piece of wearable kinetic modernist art! A single cultured pearl post-set at the top on a sterling silver base with many long bead-tipped wires dangling below that resembles a shooting star to me, but is definitely open to interpretation. Here's a short bio of the artist: Paul Marcero was born in NYC in 1952. He studied under Albert Paley at the State University of New York at Brockport where he graduated in 1974. He studied under Dave Pimentel at Arizona State until 1976. He opened his own workshop in NYC where he was in business for about 20 years. He and his wife moved to Wilkes Barre where he had his own shop for several years, and later freelanced for various jewelers in the area until he retired in 2022. I purchased this brooch directly from the artist, and most of the information here is from him. Measures 3.75" tall by 2" wide, and weighs 29.5 grams or just about one ounce total. Marked at back with the artist signature, a conjoined "PM", also "Sterling" and "'85" for 1985. Excellent vintage condition.
November 20, 2025 at 6:24 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Jaguar god mask
carved stone
Chavin culture
Peru
1000-700 BCE

#jaguarmask #carved #stone #mask #handmade #art #ancientart #chavinculture #peru #andes #religion #ritual #precolumbian #prehispanic #ancientculture #ancientreligion
The Chavin culture was a pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in the northern Andean high- lands of Peru from around 900 to 200 BC, known for its sophisticated art, religious influence, and engineering. Its ceremonial and pilgrimage cen-ter, Chavin de Huántar, was the source of a religious and cultural cult that spread across a wide area, making it an influential "mother culture" for later Andean civilizations. Key aspects include its religious system, centered on a powerful priesthood and complex multi-sensory rituals; its advanced art, seen in striking stone carvings and textiles; and its engineering skills, evident in the complex architecture of Chavin de Huántar, such as its drainage system.
November 19, 2025 at 4:53 PM