An Early 20thC Leather Model of an Owl in the Manner of Liberty & Co c.1925

Origin: English
Period: Early 20thC
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1920-30
Height: 11”
Width: 5”
Depth: 6”

The striking and sculptural leather model of a horned owl, standing upright with head turned slightly to one side, the body worked entirely in richly patinated leather and carefully tooled to suggest layered plumage, the facial features strongly characterised, with a pronounced beak and inset amber-toned glass eyes lending a particularly arresting, almost sentient expression, the whole standing on finely modelled feet allowing the figure to stand freely and surviving from the second quarter of the twentieth century.

Tactile and in good overall condition, the piece has gentle surface wear and softening consistent with its age and material. The leather retains an attractive, deep patina with minor scuffs and abrasions to extremities, commensurate with handling and display. There are no apparent losses with the glass eyes intact and secure.

Leather animal figures of this type are most closely associated with the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau periods and are often linked to the decorative output of Liberty & Co. of London in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Liberty retailed a range of exotic and whimsical objects made from unconventional materials, including repoussé metal, carved wood, and leather, with Omersa creating their first leather pig in 1927, and frequently drew inspiration from nature and folklore. Owls, symbols of wisdom and nocturnal mystery, were particularly favoured motifs during this period with the likes of William Morris et al. Whilst appearing to be unsigned, the quality of modelling, choice of material, and sculptural confidence place this example firmly within that tradition.

An unusual and characterful piece, combining folk-art charm with Arts & Crafts sensibility and rare in its survival, this piece would sit comfortably within a country-house interior, a curiosity cabinet, or alongside other Liberty-period decorative arts; a strong, sculptural object with undeniable presence.