Pair of 1930s French Art Deco Horse Bookends in Spelter on Marquinia Marble Base

Details

Description

We kindly encourage you to read the entire description, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to … Read more We kindly encourage you to read the entire description, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our items.
This rare and original pair of Art Deco bookends features a design characterized by sharp, clean lines that create a balanced and understated elegance. The two horses, depicted in a resting pose, rest on a rectangular base made of black Marquinia marble, distinguished by two shaped corners. The overall composition is both harmonious and refined. This pair was crafted between 1930 and 1935 in a skilled artisan workshop in Saint-Ouen, a charming suburb of Paris, France, using an advanced spelter casting technique. The pieces were then meticulously hand-finished by artisans, who gave them smooth, delicate lines. A complex process involving special, proprietary acids was employed to achieve elegant bronze-like tones before the sculptures were mounted on their exquisite black Marquinia marble bases. Marquinia black marble is a premium-quality natural stone celebrated for its deep black hue and fine-grained texture. Quarried in the Markina region of the Basque Country in northern Spain, it is among the most highly valued materials worldwide for sophisticated ornamental applications. Spelter, a metal alloy composed of copper, zinc, and lead, can be finished to resemble bronze. It has been used since the 1860s for crafting candelabras, clock cases, and lamps. In the early 20th century, it gained popularity among sculptors like Jacques Limousin, who utilized it extensively for creating Art Nouveau and Art Deco ornaments and figurines.
This pair of horses displays minor stains on their bodies and slight chipping on the base—details that do not detract from their overall charm or authenticity.
Measurements:
• Length: 16 cm
• Depth: 8 cm
• Height: 16 cm
For all our shipments, we use specialized packaging materials (including wooden crates, Styrofoam, etc.) to ensure the utmost protection and safety of the items. See less