Art Deco ivory sculpture. Young girl among the waves, GERON. Europe, circa 1920-1935

Antique Art Deco Ivory Sculpture by GERON. Europe, circa 1920-1935

We present an exquisite sculpture that could be titled "Young Girl Dancing Among the Waves," masterfully carved in genuine elephant ivory (Elephas dentin). It comes with its corresponding documentation as pre-1947 ivory. It depicts a young girl delicately dancing and playing among the sea waves. This piece, signed GERON on the base, was created in a European workshop, probably in the Franco-Belgian or Germanic area, between 1920 and 1935, during the height of the Art Deco movement.

The sculpture demonstrates absolute mastery of direct ivory carving. The young girl, suspended in a graceful and flowing movement, appears to float with an almost ethereal lightness. Her right leg, extended forward, barely touches the foam of the waves, while the left maintains a fluid and natural pose. The torso displays a subtle contrapposto that brings dynamism and harmony to the composition.

The figure’s face, slightly turned to the left, reflects a serene and engaging expression. The wavy hair, sculpted with astonishing detail, adds further movement that blends with the dance of the body. Her delicately fitted dress suggests the sensuality of the female form without excess. It reinforces the refined and elegant aesthetic of the Art Deco style.

The left arm, raised in a playful gesture, interacts with the surrounding space. The right arm balances the scene. The base of the sculpture is carved in the form of large marine scrolls, evoking the constant movement of the sea and creating a perfect visual dialogue between the figure and the pedestal.

This work, in excellent condition, displays a beautiful warm and even patina, characteristic of well-preserved antique ivory pieces. It shows no cracks or restorations. The meticulous details, from the fingers and the hair to the scrolls of the base, are completely intact. Moreover, it retains its original turned base, also made of ivory, which significantly enhances its value and authenticity.

The theme of the young girl in dance, in perfect harmony with natural elements, was one of the most appreciated motifs during the Art Deco period. Pieces of this type were highly sought after at the time by the European bourgeoisie and aristocracy as luxury objects to embellish sophisticated interiors.

During the Art Deco period, approximately between 1915 and 1939, ivory sculpture experienced a remarkable boom in Europe. Paris, Vienna and Berlin became the main centers for the production of small-format works aimed at an elite clientele. Artists such as Demetre Chiparus, Claire Jeanne Roberte Colinet and Pierre Le Faguays, among others, explored new forms and themes that responded to the modern spirit of the time.

Ivory, with its warm texture and its ability to capture the finest details, was the ideal material to represent the elegant and dynamic femininity that defined the Art Deco aesthetic. These sculptures often depicted female figures in graceful attitudes, in motion or in dialogue with natural elements such as air, water or light.

The iconography reflected the feminine values of freedom and modernity that permeated interwar society. The production of these pieces was primarily intended for the luxury market, adorning the interiors of the most refined homes.

Today, Art Deco ivory sculptures are highly valued by collectors of 20th-century decorative art and by specialized museums. The preservation of the original base, the artist’s signature and the accompaniment of its Official Appraisal Document issued by the Spanish Federation of Antique Dealers, a document required for the legal trade of antique ivory within the European Union, significantly increase the market value of these works. Their rarity and exquisite craftsmanship make them highly sought after at international auctions and fairs.

Today, sculptures like this one, signed, with its Official Appraisal Document and in impeccable original condition, are highly sought after by both specialized collectors and interior designers seeking to add a timeless touch of elegance to their projects.

A piece with enormous decorative potential. It is ideal for enhancing the aesthetics of any classic or contemporary setting, or for enriching a high-level Art Deco art collection. A magnificent example of the virtuosity achieved by European ivory sculptors during the first third of the twentieth century.

Do not miss this exceptional opportunity to acquire such a special and well-preserved work.

Dimensions: height 23.3 cm x base diameter 5.2 cm (9.17 in x 2 in)

IMPORTANT: Due to current regulations on antique ivory, this piece cannot be exported outside Europe. The export of ivory, even antique, to countries outside the European Union is not permitted under current legislation.