GOLD, PLIQUE-À-JOUR ENAMEL, COLORED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND 'MATILIJA POPPY' CLIP-BROOCH, THOMAS HERMAN OF SEVENFINGERS AND PATSY CROFT

Designed as a Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri), composed of opaque white and translucent green plique-à-jour enamel, accented with a bud and a small diamond accented spider, the center designed with the stamen highlighted by diamonds of near colorless and yellow hue, signed Patsy Croft, with maker's mark for Thomas Herman of Sevenfingers. With fitted and signed box.

In very good condition. Inscribed 18K for 18 karat gold. The near colorless diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.05 carat are bright and lively. The diamonds of intense yellow hue weighing a total of approximately 0.10 carat. The enamel is in excellent condition. The flower petals and leaves decorated with plique-à-jour enamel; the stem, buds and spider also applied with enamel. Both pins of the clip-brooch fasten closed. Length approximately 5 inches, maximum width approximately 3⅛ inches. Please note that the diamonds of yellow hue have not been tested for natural origin of color. An article on the creation of the brooch is featured in Adornment: The Magazine of Jewelry and Related Arts¸ vol. 11, no 3, pp 36-47. A copy of the article is available upon request.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Please note that the diamonds of yellow hue have not been tested for natural origin of color. The origin of the name “Matilija” can be traced back to the Chumash Indian Chief and his tribe who inhabited the area of present-day Ventura county in Southern California during the 19^th century.  The legend of Chief Matilija’s daughter Amatil and her lost love is retold in various versions from the history of this period. After falling in love with a young brave, Amatil is then captured by Spaniards and taken to work at Mission Buenaventura, but longs to return to Ojai (from the Chumash for “nest”).  She manages to escape, but sadly finds that her lover has been mortally wounded during a battle with the Spaniards.  It is from this legend, that the “Matilija” poppy became the symbol of the tears of Amatil and her heart of pure gold.

The Chumash like other native California tribes, fought against the domination of the Spanish and the formation of mission culture, so this legend may well be rooted in historical fact.  In 1824 near Mission Buenaventura, there is record of Chief Matilija having waged a major battle against the Spanish. In present day Ojai and Ventura the name of Chief Matilija is echoed in many streets, businesses and other manmade landmarks as well as some of the creeks and canyons in the region.

For further information on Mendocino Art Center and the genesis of the Matilija Poppy Project, please refer to the condition report.