Martin Douglas Kilmer, Golden Pearls of Wisdom, Fragrant Petals of Blessings Go Forth to the Four Corners of the Earth..., 1994, carved clam shell, pearls, bone, mother-of-pearl, horn, ivory, moonstones, antique gold-washed silver, silver, silver-plated antique French cut steel, leather, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist and his wife, Mrs. Jane L. Guerber in memory of Mrs. Lois A. Darling and Mrs. Elizabeth Bainum, 1999.68
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Golden Pearls of Wisdom, Fragrant Petals of Blessings Go Forth to the Four Corners of the Earth…
- Artist
- Date
- 1994
- Location
- Not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of the artist and his wife, Mrs. Jane L. Guerber in memory of Mrs. Lois A. Darling and Mrs. Elizabeth Bainum
- Mediums Description
- carved clam shell, pearls, bone, mother-of-pearl, horn, ivory, moonstones, antique gold-washed silver, silver, silver-plated antique French cut steel, leather
- Classifications
- Object Number
- 1999.68
Artwork Description
This neckpiece began with the central element, which came from a large Tibetan mother-of-pearl hat ornament. The similarity in color unifies the contemporary and antique materials with the found objects. The ornate quality of the clamshell prompted the long poetic title, which probably refers to the political tensions between Tibet and the People's Republic of China. The hanging beads are meant to "rain down" from the centerpiece and animate the color and texture with their movement.