Decorative Arts Monkey Appraisal

Art Deco Cast Metal Monkey Figurine / Paperweight

This is a single decorative cast-metal figurine, likely a paperweight or a standalone bookend, featuring two solemn-looking monkeys. The monkeys are seated upright on a rectangular base, positioned back-to-back, facing outward. Each monkey has its arms crossed over its knees, giving them a somber or thoughtful expression. Their bodies are well-defined with textured fur details, although these details are somewhat obscured by wear and patina. The monkeys' faces are expressive, with noticeable features like their eyes, noses, and muzzles. The overall dimensions are approximately L 8.5 inches, H 5 inches, and W 2 inches. The material is cast metal, most probably spelter (a zinc alloy), which was a common material for decorative items in the early to mid-20th century. The original finish appears to have been a dark, silver-toned plating or patina, as evidenced by the darker areas that remain. However, the piece shows significant wear, particularly on the base and the raised areas like the monkeys' backs and shoulders, where the darker finish has rubbed away, revealing the lighter, underlying base metal. This wear suggests age and regular handling. There are no visible maker's marks, signatures, or stamps in the provided image. The stylized form of the monkeys and the relatively clean lines of the rectangular base are consistent with the Art Deco period, placing its estimated age between the 1920s and 1930s. The craftsmanship is typical for mass-produced decorative items of the era, displaying reasonable detail in the casting but without the very fine finishing expected of high-end bronze or brass pieces. The piece has a substantial, solid feel, indicating its function as a stable decorative object or paperweight. Its unique aspects include the distinct back-to-back pose of two individual monkeys on a unified base, which could imply a narrative or a specific design intention beyond a simple decorative figure.