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Peace Dove pin, designer Cecile et Jeanne, France; photographer John Bigelow Taylor.
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Flora and Fauna

Frog and Snake Pins

Pins Shown from Left to Right

  • Title Green Crystal Frog

    Date 1999

    Designer Unknown, Acquired in France

    Materials Oxidized Base Metal, Crystals

    Size 2.5" x 2.2"
    (6.4cm x 5.6cm)

  • Title Crouching Green and Gold Frog

    Date 1970

    Designer Kenneth Jay Lane, USA

    Materials Yellow Gold-Plated Base Metal

    Size 1.9" x 1.6"
    (4.8cm x 4.1cm)

  • Title Cloisonné Frog

    Date circa 1997

    Designer Unknown, Acquired in China

    Materials Yellow Gold-Tone Base Metal, Enameled Cloisonné, Rhinestones

    Size 2.6" x 2.1"
    (6.6cm x 5.3cm)

Title: Dragon and Sword
Date: circa 2004
Designer: Unknown, Acquired in Turkey
Materials: 14kt Yellow and White Gold, Silver, Garnet Cabochons, Baroque Freshwater Cultured Pearls, Diamonds, Emeralds
Size: 4.8″ x 0.9″ (12 cm x 2.3 cm)
Title: Snake
Date: 2005
Designer: Kenneth Jay Lane, USA
Materials: Rhodium and Black Enamel-Finished Base Metal, Rhinestones
Size: 4.4″ x 3.3″ (11.2 cm x 8.3 cm)

Symbols of Life

When Saddam Hussein’s poet-in-residence called Albright a serpent, flattery was the last thing he had in mind. In many cultures, the slithery reptile is associated with life, fertility and (because a snake sheds its skin) renewal and rebirth. Frogs are also considered symbols of fertility and creation. Ancient traditions aside, Albright is no fan of snakes and is far more comfortable with frog pins than with actual frogs.

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