Graziella Laffi Decorative Objects

A striking sterling silver jewelry suite of bold design by Graziella Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, Peru, circa 1970s. The set consists of a highly sculptural necklace with a large pendant...

Patinated copper and silver vase by Graziella Laffi Impressed signature and silver hallmark to neck ‘Peru G. Laffi 925’.

A bespoken sterling silver chocker necklace very bold design by Graziella Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, Peru, circa 1970s. The chocker features six subtly hammered roundels radiating into a trio of Axe-shaped fixed pendants, with two smaller ones flanking a large central one. The shape of the axe was often found in the Pre-Columbian art. As a bronze age tool, it symbolizes power. The necklace is not chain link but cast and joined as a solid chocker with box clasp mechanism. The design radiates a sense of history with the primitive tribal geometry in form, yet the necklace appears beyond ethnic, it exuberates a confident and bold modernistic aesthetic. The drop of the necklace on the mannequin (not included) is 11". It has an approximate 16" circumference and weighs 320 grams (10.3 troy ounces). It was tested as 900 purity with XRF analyzer. There is a Peruvian Cultural Ministry label applied and a catalog sticker on verso as shown. Graziella Laffi was born in 1923 in Florence, Italy to Gino Laffi, a silversmith and artist. Following her family tradition, Graziella enrolled in master classes after elementary school, focusing on design and painting. She next attended Escuela de Bellas Artes de Puerta Romana for three years, where Gino taught, and then to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, where she concentrated in architecture until the start of World War II. In 1947, Graziella, then twenty-four, immigrated with her parents to Peru. Gino later created a silversmith studio and showroom called Fabrica Laffi on Avenue Mexico, where Graziella initially learned her Craft. The Pre-Columbian culture in her adopted country inspired Graziella to travel and collect, which ultimately influence her design in the silver pieces. Graziella learned the metalworking techniques of the ancient Peruvian civilizations and rejected the current technology. She mostly used hammering, rolling and creating joints as the ancients do. As an ambassador of Peruvian culture, her work promoted the indigenous Peruvian art and rekindled the interest in its ancient heritage throughout South America, the United States and Europe. She exhibited her growing collection of Peruvian artifacts...

Hand Made Articulated Fish Sculpture, by Graziella Laffi, Peru, circa 1950s. Signed, see last photo. It is constructed of hand hammered verd...

A stunning sterling silver vessel in the form of a stemmed bowl crafted by Graziella Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, Peru, Circa 1965. Marked on the rim: G. Laffi, PERU. The vessel was designed as a modern rendition of ancient pre-Columbina drinking vessel used in ceremony. The piece projects a regal and substantial aura due to its thick double wall construction with seamless craftmanship. The exterior surface was decorated with high relief roundels protrusion alternated with a radiating design that resembles star fish or a blooming flower. It has an impressive presence with its unique form and ornamentation that appears both modern and ancient at the same time. The net weight is 666g or 21.4 Troy Ounce. Graziella Laffi was born in 1923 in Florence, Italy to Gino Laffi, a silversmith and artist. Following her family tradition, Graziella enrolled in master classes after elementary school, focusing on design and painting. She next attended Escuela de Bellas Artes de Puerta Romana for three years, where Gino taught, and then to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, where she concentrated in architecture until the start of World War II. In 1947, Graziella, then twenty-four, immigrated with her parents to Peru. Gino later created a silversmith studio and showroom called Fabrica Laffi on Avenue Mexico, where Graziella initially learned her Craft. The Pre-Columbian culture in her adopted country inspired Graziella to travel and collect, which ultimately influence her design in the silver pieces. Graziella learned the metalworking techniques of the ancient Peruvian civilizations and rejected the current technology. She mostly used hammering, rolling and creating joints as the ancients do. As an ambassador of Peruvian culture, her work promoted the indigenous Peruvian art and rekindled the interest in its ancient heritage throughout South America, the United States and Europe. She exhibited her growing collection of Peruvian artifacts...

Graziella Laffi bronze shell form bowls, Peru, circa 1950s. They are constructed of bronze and silver plated brass. They are a petite size, perfect as a home for your rings, coins, p...

Articulated fish sculptures, handmade by Graziella Laffi, Peru, circa 1950s. Executed in hand-hammered copper and sterling silver. Wonderful...

Articulated fish sculpture by Graziella Laffi, Peru, circa 1950s. Impressed signature on tail, see last detail photo. Executed in hand-hamme...

Pair of articulated fish sculptures by Graziella Laffi, Peruvian, circa 1950s. They are executed in hand-hammered copper and sterling silver...