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The flowering of a perfect union.

The bronze vases are unique in art history. First, only master artists were able to work in this medium because of its expense. Second, one must have the technical expertise of a sculptor to make the medium work artistically. For these reasons bronze vases were last seen with any frequency around the turn of the century, at the end of the art nouveau period. Art texts are filled with references to the splendor of bronze oriental vases which today command top prices (Christie's recently offered an early silver inlaid lacquered bronze Bienhu Waring States Period, only 10" high, that sold for over $50,000). Fortunately, no expense is spared in casting Erté's bronze vases. Erte is a talented sculptor and these pieces may be purchased at a fraction of the cost of their antecedents.

Flora I and 11 were Erté's first bud vases, and due to a combination of design, theme, patina and price, these vases were an instant success. The design shows a mail and woman with a common drape which forms the base of the vase. The theme of this piece is love - always expressed so beautifully by Erté Only the patina distinguishes Flora I (green) from Flora II (silver). If the piece is being shown for its strong sculptural qualities, the green patina is usually preferred. As a centerpiece for a dining room table, the silver patina is the more popular. In either case, the Floras were priced reasonably and remain one of Erté's most sought-after objects of art.

She Loves Me is presented in two variations on a theme. In July 1928 Erté designed a cover for Harper's Bazaar featuring a beautiful woman and a playful cupid. This design was modified to create two bowls which differ in both shape and the woman's profile.

She Loves Me is in the shape of a modified heart. `The woman's face is highly stylized and her hair is dramatically wrapped around the bowl. The title of this piece is derived from the fact that the cupid is pulling petals from one of the stylized flowers. You can almost hear him saving, "She loves me... she loves me not... she loves me..." Look carefully, however, and you can see that as he tugs at the petal it is transformed into a heart.

Allowing the swirl of the hair to play a major design element is wonderful. The two decorative motifs are flowers and butterflies. Erte's flowers are always highly stylized (i.e., he makes no attempt to "copy" a real flower). These flowers are pure art deco with their crisp geometric and repetitive shapes. Have you noticed how frequently Erte uses butterflies in his work? The three reasons why they are used in this piece are: (1) aesthetics: the harmony and beauty of flowers and butterflies together, (2) stylization: stylized shapes which evoke the best of art deco and (3) symbolism: the freedom to be yourself and freedom to transcend any of your problems.

This vase is a combination of bronze and silver. The initial casting is done by the expensive lost wax process. The vase is then bathed in a liquid silver, and finally, the silver is antiqued to emphasize the depth and texture of the bas relief (I.e., the two

THE
PERFECT
OPPORTUNITY

Since I have been collecting and investing in art successfully for over 20 years, people frequently ask me what guidelines I use to make my selections.
I have been well served personally

I acquire the work of famous artists, but in a medium in which they are not vet famous. For example, an artist may have gained world acclaim for his paintings, vet may not be known for his sculpture or objects of art. His sculpture and objects, while still reasonably priced, affords the collector a great opportunity.

Additionally, I invest in artists who bridge the worlds of art and design, because this special breed of artist has been identified by both auction houses and galleries as enjoying a new trend of growing demand.

Erté objects of art fall perfectly into both of the areas of growth potential that I have mentioned.

Erte is the acknowledged master artist-designer of the 20th century, and it is no wonder. Examine the shape, balance and decorative motifs of his objects of art. They are sheer perfection, a perfect marriage of elegance and utility.

It is with tremendous pride that I offer you the opportunity to acquire Erte 's objects of art - the epitome of his timeless style. While these works will undoubtedly appreciate tremendously in value over the years, I am certain that most collectors will find the pleasure of living elegantly with Erte's art the greatest satisfaction of all.