Traveling on the Edge Brooch

Frances E. Kite, Traveling on the Edge Brooch, 2000, 24k gold, cloisonne enamel on fine silver with 24k gold foils, 14k, 18k, 22k gold, garnet, diamond, and Biwa pearl, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Christine L. Droll, Frances E. Kite, and Nicolas Crevecoeur, 2003.27.3
Copied Frances E. Kite, Traveling on the Edge Brooch, 2000, 24k gold, cloisonne enamel on fine silver with 24k gold foils, 14k, 18k, 22k gold, garnet, diamond, and Biwa pearl, 3 12 in. x 1 in. x 38 in. (8.82.51 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Christine L. Droll, Frances E. Kite, and Nicolas Crevecoeur, 2003.27.3

Artwork Details

Title
Traveling on the Edge Brooch
Date
2000
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3 12 in. x 1 in. x 38 in. (8.82.51 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Christine L. Droll, Frances E. Kite, and Nicolas Crevecoeur
Mediums Description
24k gold, cloisonne enamel on fine silver with 24k gold foils, 14k, 18k, 22k gold, garnet, diamond, and Biwa pearl
Classifications
Object Number
2003.27.3

Artwork Description

Frances E. Kite created Traveling on the Edge Brooch during what she describes as a "great change" in her life. She was recovering from her mother's death while also adjusting to a new life of looking after two adopted children. The contrasts in this brooch, between hard and soft, dark and light, and smooth and jagged, evoke the ups and downs of the journey of her life. The colors and patterns of the cloisonné enamel complement the hues of the gemstones, from the rich, bloodlike garnet at the top to the natural pearl that falls from the bottom like a glistening teardrop. The sparkle of the diamond and worked gold balances these somber emblems of mourning.