Tedd - Bookends - Spelter, Marble

TEDD – Pair of Art Deco Rearing Horse Bookends – Green Patinated Spelter on Marble – France – Circa 1930 – Signed

Offered for auction is an attractive matching pair of original Art Deco bookends depicting two magnificent rearing horses, signed TEDD.

These elegant French vintage bookends are characteristic of the Art Deco period, combining dynamic animal sculptures with beautifully veined natural marble bases.

Each horse is shown rearing on its hind legs, with its front legs raised, head held high and mane flowing backwards. The sculptural figures are supported by decorative, stylised scrollwork resembling vegetation or ornamental waves.

The combination of lively equestrian subjects, streamlined sculptural forms and solid marble bases creates an attractive example of early 20th-century decorative art.

The signature TEDD is visible on the lower part of the metal sculpture, as shown in the photographs.

Artist and period

The sculptures bear the signature TEDD, a name associated with French Art Deco animalier sculptures and decorative bookends from the 1920s and 1930s.

Comparable signed TEDD horse bookends have been documented and dated to approximately 1930.

The dynamic poses, stylised manes, decorative bases and elegant proportions are typical of French Art Deco animal sculpture.

The precise year of manufacture of this particular pair has not been independently established.

Material and finish

The horses are made of cast metal, most likely spelter, also known as régule or zinc alloy, finished with an attractive dark green bronze-effect patina.

The patinated surface displays varying shades of green, deep green and almost black, giving the sculptures the appearance of aged bronze.

The green finish resembles a verdigris patina, a decorative effect often associated with bronze sculptures and Art Deco metalwork.

The horses feature carefully modelled details, including their manes, expressive heads, eyes, muzzles, raised front legs, muscular bodies and flowing tails.

Each horse is mounted on a solid rectangular marble base in dark grey and brownish-grey tones, decorated with distinctive natural white and light grey veining.

The polished marble contrasts beautifully with the green patinated metal figures.

The substantial natural stone bases provide stability, making these objects suitable for use as functional bookends as well as decorative sculptures.

Dimensions

Approximate dimensions per bookend:

Height: 12.7 cm
Length: 11 cm
Width: 7 cm

Quantity: 2 matching bookends.

Signature: TEDD.

Style: Art Deco.

Period: Circa 1930.

Origin: Presumed France.

Materials: Green patinated spelter or régule, and natural marble.

Condition

Overall in good condition. There is a small chip to the marble, as shown in the photographs.

Please carefully examine all photographs for an accurate impression of the condition. The photographs form an integral part of the description.

Decorative and collecting interest

These bookends are particularly appealing to collectors of horses, horse sculptures, horse figurines, equestrian art, equine collectibles, animal sculptures, wildlife figures, horse statues, rearing horses, prancing horses, stallion figurines and decorative animal ornaments.

They are also interesting for collectors of French Art Deco, Art Deco animalier sculpture, antique-style bronze figures, bronze-patinated metal, verdigris patina, green patinated sculptures, spelter figures, régule sculptures, vintage cast metal ornaments, marble sculptures, decorative antiques and European decorative arts.

Other relevant collecting themes include antique bookends, vintage bookends, Art Deco bookends, horse bookends, equestrian bookends, marble bookends, French bookends, animal bookends, sculptural bookends, book holders, book supports, bookshelf accessories, library ornaments, desk decorations, office accessories, Art Deco interior design, 1930s decoration and early 20th-century collectibles.

The horses' powerful upright poses and richly textured green finish make them attractive decorative objects for a traditional library, private study, office, living room, fireplace mantelpiece or collector's cabinet.

The sculptures can also be appreciated independently as a matching pair of ornamental horse statues.

A decorative matching pair

The combination of two elegant rearing horses, decorative Art Deco metalwork, green bronze-effect patina, natural marble bases and the TEDD signature makes this a particularly charming set of vintage bookends.

An attractive addition to collections of equestrian memorabilia, horse figurines, French decorative arts, Art Deco sculptures and unusual vintage home accessories.

Shipping

Will be carefully packed and shipped with track & trace.

An elegant pair of signed TEDD Art Deco horse bookends, featuring green patinated metal sculptures of rearing horses mounted on beautifully veined natural marble bases. A decorative combination of French animalier sculpture, equestrian art and classic 1930s design.