Art Deco Ivory Sculpture, L. Sousson. With Certificate. France, circa 1920-1935.

Antique Art Deco Ivory Sculpture, L. Sousson. Certificate. France, circa 1920-1935

Beautiful antique sculpture from the Art Deco period, Dancer with Cymbals, of remarkable beauty and elegance, carved in genuine ivory and signed by sculptor L. Sousson. This piece, created in France between 1920 and 1935, depicts a young dancer with cymbals, perfectly embodying the modern and liberating spirit of the Art Deco era.

Hand-carved in elephant ivory (Dentine of Elephas), with an official certificate guaranteeing its pre-1947 creation, this work exhibits exquisite craftsmanship. The female figure stands upright with raised arms in a dynamic pose, holding two gilded brass cymbals that provide a beautiful visual contrast. The body, sculpted with notable virtuosity, conveys fluidity and sensuality. The elegant contrapposto stance gives the scene a vibrant sense of movement.

The young woman's face, serene and smiling, with short garçonne-style hair, perfectly reflects the aesthetics of the 1920s. The details of the gilded brass bracelets enrich the figure, while the original veined marble base provides a solid and refined presence to the ensemble.

This work belongs to the rich iconography of French decorative sculpture of the interwar period, inspired by the world of cabaret, contemporary dance, and the growing prominence of women in artistic and social life. Sculptures like this adorned the most sophisticated interiors of the time and are now highly sought after by collectors of decorative art.

Louis (or Lucien) Sousson was a French sculptor active during the 1920s and 1930s, specializing in the creation of small-format female figures in ivory, bronze, or combinations of noble materials. His work is fully aligned with the Art Deco aesthetic, marked by a taste for clean lines, restrained sensuality, and dynamic forms.

Sousson worked mainly in Paris, in an artistic context characterized by the renewal of visual languages and the celebration of modernity. Sculptures of dancers, muses, and figures inspired by the world of entertainment were his most characteristic repertoire, reflecting the freedom of expression and vital energy that defined the interwar period.

Pieces such as this Dancer with Cymbals are today highly valued in the international market for decorative art. With its refined anatomical work, compositional elegance, and expressive richness, Sousson’s works occupy a prominent place in the best collections of Art Deco sculpture.

His production, although not as extensive as that of other great names, stands out for its exceptional attention to carving and a perfect balance between sculptural tradition and stylistic modernity. Therefore, each figure signed by Sousson is considered a highly desirable collector’s piece.

The condition is excellent. The ivory presents a beautiful natural patina and shows no losses or breaks. The metal elements retain their original charm, with a light patina consistent with the piece’s age. The marble base is perfectly preserved.

A unique opportunity to acquire a high-quality sculpture, ideal for enriching a specialized collection or enhancing any space with a touch of distinction and Art Deco elegance.

Measurements: 22 cm x 6 cm (8.66 in x 2.36 in). Height without base 15 cm (5.91 in). Weight 327 g.

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 prohibited under current legislation.