Price

£595.00

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Art Deco Elephant bookends.

Art deco Bookends in the form of Elephants. A pair of cold painted spelter elephants with raised trunks standing on marble bases. Unsigned. French circa 1930. Approx height 18cm base  x 9 cm.

History of the bookend
During mediaeval times the vast majority of people were not literate, only monks and scholars would have owned books. Vast, hand written and richly illustrated books would have been kept chained to lecterns. By the Renaissance period books had became more available, yet even then, only wealthy and learned individuals would have been able to own a small collection – enough to keep stacked horizontally in a small pile.
It was not until around the end of the 16th century that books became more accessible and collections grew to the size of libraries. Now, the need for categorical systems for arranging books meant that vertical storage was more practical, as well for ease of moving and removing books. Book shelves and heavy bookends became a necessity to store collections vertically.
Modern book shelves meant that bookends changed from being a necessity to a decorative item and the wonderful array of designs that appeared make bookends valuable collector's item today.

Art Deco was named after the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925. It was the successor to and a reaction against art nouveau. Seen in furniture, pottery, textiles, jewellery, and glass it was also a notable style of cinema and hotel architecture.

Its chief difference from art nouveau is the influence of cubism which gives art deco design generally a more fragmented, geometric character. However, imagery based on plant forms, and sinuous curves remained in some art deco design, for example that of Clarice Cliff. Art deco also varied in its influences, taking inspiration from ancient Egyptian art, Aztec and other ancient Central American art. It also drew on the modern architecture and design of the Bauhaus, and of architects such as Le Corbusier and Mies van de Rohe.

Dimensions

base 38.5 cm x 7cm wide. Overall height including base 21cm.

Price

£595.00



Condition report

Excellent original condition. Light wear to the cold painting

Stock number

2622
Open by appointment and at fairs

The BADA Standard

  • Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
  • Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
  • Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
  • Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
  • Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Click here for more information on the BADA Standard