Vintage Pair of Neoclassical Style Winged Sphinx FiguresPatinated Metal on Palmette Bases, Sold as Bookends

Two winged sphinxes sit facing each other, their tall wings curling forward at the tips like scrolls. Each wears a laurel wreath, as calm and watchful as a temple guardian.

Each figure is cast in patinated metal with a dark tone. It shows a seated sphinx with a woman's head crowned with laurel, a lion's body and finely feathered wings that sweep up and curl over at the top. Each sits on a round base engraved with a border of palmettes and leaves. The winged, woman-headed sphinx comes from ancient Greece, not Egypt. Egyptian sphinxes were usually male and had no wings, while the Greek sphinx was a female guardian who set riddles. Neoclassical designers preferred the Greek form.

The figures are in very good vintage condition, with an even dark patina. They've kept watch in other studies for many years, and they're ready to keep watch over yours. Use them as bookends on a shelf of slim volumes, or as a pair of desk ornaments.

The pair, in short: two winged sphinx figures in patinated metal on palmette bases, weighing 448 g and 427 g (15.8 oz and 15.1 oz).

DETAILS

Size: Height 11 cm (4.3 in) · Base diameter 7.5 cm (3 in) · Width at the wings 6.5 cm (2.6 in), per figure — about the size of a small pepper mill
Material: patinated metal
Style-Period: Neoclassical style · late 19th to early 20th century
Weight: 448 g (15.8 oz) and 427 g (15.1 oz) · 875 g (1.9 lb) for the pair
Shipping: professionally packed, fully insured, worldwide · we handle the paperwork and pay all import duties · nothing to settle on delivery
Condition: very good vintage condition · even dark patina
Returns: accepted within 30 days
Sold as a pair

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A decorative style is not a guarantee of a particular maker or date. See the individual listing for the stated attribution and period.

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