Figurine Owl on Books, brown gold, ceramic, early 20th century
2 318 PLN
unique
ABOUT PRODUCTID 38797
This patinated ceramic figurine depicts an owl perched atop two stacked books—a quintessential example of early 20th-century desk ornament, made in the workshops of a school founded in 1880 in Bychene, within the former Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Crafted from light terracotta and finished with a bronze-like patina, the piece features a warm, medium brown tone with golden highlights. The patina is applied unevenly to accentuate sculptural details such as feathers, talons, and the textured bindings of the books, resulting in a subtly glossy, metallic surface with matte nuances in the recesses. The owl is rendered in a naturalistic style typical of academic realism, with anatomical accuracy and expressive posture, while the books beneath display visible spines, pages, and clasps. The composition is solid, with no visible seams, and the base is fully integrated into the form. The underside bears the maker's mark. The condition is described as very good, with no visible signs of damage, restoration, or significant wear.The owl on books serves not only as a decorative accent but also as a symbolic voice of its era—a time when knowledge, reason, and learning were held in the highest regard. Its dignified posture, surveying the world from atop scholarly tomes, evokes the ambiance of early 20th-century studies and libraries, where every object was imbued with meaning. The surface patina recalls the passage of decades, while the classic composition reflects the Central European tradition of craftsmanship,
DIMENSION
Height19.5 cm
Length14.5 cm
Dimension details
Length14.5 cm
Height19.5 cm
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