An unusual and highly decorative pair of Art Deco bookends depicting two elegant dancers. The set was crafted between 1930 and 1935 in an artisan workshop in Saint-Ouen, the historic suburb of Paris, France, using a refined spelter casting technique. The design is distinguished by its clean and essential lines, harmoniously proportioned to convey a sense of refined elegance. Inspired by the aesthetic principles of the Art Deco movement, the artist emphasized both the sculptural strength of the human figure and the grace and fluidity of movement. Each element was meticulously hand-finished by skilled craftsmen, giving the figures a strong sculptural presence. The metal was then treated through a complex and delicate acid patina process, resulting in sophisticated bronze-toned nuances that further enhance the fine details of the sculptures. The figures are mounted on elegant rectangular bases in Black Marquina marble, a luxurious material that enriches the overall composition. Black Marquina is a fine natural marble with a deep black color and compact grain, quarried in the Markina region of the Basque Country in northern Spain. Considered one of the most prestigious marbles internationally, it has long been prized for high-end decorative and architectural applications. Spelter is a metal alloy composed primarily of zinc, often combined with copper and lead, widely used to reproduce the appearance of bronze. Beginning in the second half of the 19th century, spelter became especially popular for decorative objects and was extensively employed by sculptors during the early 20th century for Art Nouveau and Art Deco creations. The quality of the craftsmanship and the richness of the materials make this pair of bookends both refined and distinctive. The dancer figures may also be displayed individually as elegant decorative sculptures. The pieces are in good overall condition; there is only a small chip to one corner of one marble base (see photo). Dimensions: width 4.33 in (11 cm), depth 3.15 in (8 cm), height 7.87 in (20 cm).
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SILVER Seller in Prato, Italy
