SILVER AND GOLD PARURE Ilya Schor, New York, 1942.

A necklace with pendant, and a pair of earrings. NECKLACE: Handmade chain consisting of silver and gilt foliate links; domed flat pendant consists, in front, of two doors, each bearing gold figure (one depicting Tragedy, the other Comedy;) on back, the Angel of Death slays a bird while a woman, with a child at her side, looks away in horror. The whole surrounded by frame with turquoise stones, and ornamental bottom element. Signed and dated on back. H: of pendant: 45mm; total length: 335mm. One stone lacking. EARRINGS: Rectangular silver base, with applique openwork gold sections; below, silver parapet with pendants; above, silver canopy with pendants, at sides, pendants with turquoise stones. Gold elements consist of a figure with guitar, and one figure with masks of Comedy and Tragedy. H: 30mm. One pendant lacking.

The unsual theme of this jewelry ensemble may be interpreted as Ilya Schor’s response to the calamitous events of the time