S.T. DUPONT HAUTE CREATION Atelier / Dandy skull

L’AQUART LUIS ALBERTO QUISPE APARICIO

• Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio follows a second generation family tradition, since 1968, in the creation of objects d´art and gemstone carving (also known as glyptography) an ancient art with roots from pre- Babylonian times. An engineer by profession, he grew up surrounded by art, sculpture, minerals & gemstones; artists, master carvers and jewelers were ingrained in his everyday life at his family studio in Lima, Peru where he spent most of his formative years.

• His knowledge on precious stones was organically acquired during constant visits to mines around the world where he hunted for exceptional gemstones; making the quest for rarity and quality an exquisite lifetime pursuit. His art is characterized by the fusion of sculpting techniques and those of jewelry fabrication, the use ofexceptional gemstones, the daring design and the flawless execution carried out by hand which is vital in order to give a soul to each creation.

• After mastering his craft, Quispe Aparacio moved to Paris in search for a new vision and to broaden his scope through the specialization in luxury goods. Examples of this can be seen in his collection “The Beast Within” which was inspired by the resounding influence nature has on man after Quispe Aparacio’s numerous travels to Africa. Today, though he travels the world in search for the rarest gemstones to incorporate into his work, his studio specializes in carving ruby. The second hardest gemstone found on earth after the diamond, few artists have managed to successfully work with ruby as it requires advanced technique in vision, carving and polishing. His works are displayed in museums in the United States and Europe and enjoyed by private collectors around the World.

ABOUT STONES

Gemstone carving appears to have originated with gem engravings dating from 3000-5000 B.C. Several ancient civilizations, such as the Hittites, Ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians and Greeks were noteworthy for their advanced skills in this art form, with remarkable works being created by ancient Greek artists for members of the Roman nobility during the times of the early Roman emperors.

Gem carvings from the time of Constantine the Great through the middle ages typically represented religious imagery. While hematite was used to create ancient mid-eastern seal-cylinders, the material typically used for gem engravings are usually derived from minerals of the quartz family.

Towards the middle of the 19th century a rapid decline of gemstone carving began and the interest in carved gems was lost. The process begins with the selection of a stone for carving. Some artists use the stone itself as inspiration. Once the general shape of the statue has been determined, the sculptor uses other tools to refine the figure. The final stage of the carving process is polishing.

Today, Luis Alberto Quispe is one of the very few very competent artists who create astonishing engravings and gemstone sculptures.

Stones are made in nature and through their formation they experience changes such as temperature and pressure which mark them, create this imperfections, character (cracks), it is just a prove
of what they been through just like a person’s life. All if these inclusions and stone imperfections are prove it is natural stone.

Dandy Skull Inspiration

“Monsieur Os” Skull Dandy Lighter

His looks and dress are effortlessly elegant. He doesn’t try to impress; he simply is a superior skull. His arrogance comes naturally, for he is placed securely high in society. His inheritance and the cares,
responsibilities and duties that great wealth bring exemplify the qualities of a gentleskull who is a cut above the rest. Beau Brummel, I imagine, would have found very little fault with Monsieur Os.

S.T. Dupont and Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio created an Object d´art lighter, designed to express the values and excellence of the Maison’s lighter making legacy (or art of fire legacy). Indeed, for over 7 decades,
S.T, Dupont´s art of fire creations have been used by men of power and culture for whom elegance is valued in all things: the “Dandy”.

In collaboration with master stone carver, Luis Alberto, L’Aquart and Maison S.T. Dupont have created the magnanimous collections with the Dandy Skull hand carved in obsidian, jasper and white agate.

DANDY SKULL LIGHTER & SCULPTURE

Yellow gold finishes
Hat and Suit: Black Obsidian
Skull: Desert Sage Jasper
Shirt: White Agate & 1 diamond 1.5 mm diameter in bow tie
Chair: Tigers eye
Base: Petrified Wood
Metal: Gold-Plated Bronze

Dimensions: 80 x 65 x 200 mm
Base: 190 x 130 mm
Weight: Lighter 180g / Base 1450g – Total 1630g

Launch: 2017

Limited and numbered to 8 pieces

Packaging note: This Sculpture with lighter will be shipped in a black shipping box with S.T. Dupont
signature.

DANDY SKULL LIGHTER

Yellow gold finishes
Hat and Suit: Black Obsidian
Skull: Desert Sage Jasper
Shirt: White Agate
1 diamond 1.5 mm diameter in bow tie
Metal: Gold-Plated Bronze

Dimensions: 35 x 25 x 60 mm

Weight: Lighter 180g

Limited and numbered to 288 pieces