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 c 1930. Approx height 18cm base 23 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 Decowas 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.

French c 1930

Excellent original condition. Light wear to the cold painting

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