Vintage MCM Leather Small Model of a Turtle

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Mid-Century Whimsy: Leather Model of a Tortoise (Omersa Style)
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This is a rare and charming small Leather Model of … Read more Mid-Century Whimsy: Leather Model of a Tortoise (Omersa Style)
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This is a rare and charming small Leather Model of a Tortoise, crafted in the distinctive style popularized by designer Dimitri Omersa during the mid-20th century. These hand-stitched leather animals became a highly sought-after novelty, functioning as decorative pieces, paperweights, or small desk accessories.

• Construction: The model is made from several pieces of leather, skillfully hand-stitched and stuffed to achieve the realistic form of a tortoise.

• Aesthetic Details:
o The domed, outer shell is fashioned from reddish-brown leather, stitched with geometric lines to mimic the natural carapace markings.

o The pliable, stuffed head, four legs, and tail are made from a slightly lighter shade of brown leather. The head features simple, scored details for the eyes and mouth.

• Patina: The leather exhibits the beautiful, aged patina consistent with pieces from the 1960s or 70s, making it a desirable example of mid-century folk art design.

• Style/Attribution: Dimitri Omersa Style
• Date: circa 1960s–1970s
• Material: Stitched and Stuffed Leather
• Function: Decorative Object, Paperweight
• Dimensions: 4 inches High x 14 inches Long x 9 inches Deep

Historical Context: The Omersa Menagerie

This piece is representative of a highly collectible genre of decorative leather animals pioneered by the Yugoslav-born British designer Dimitri Omersa (1927–1985).

The Omersa Tradition
The tradition began with an artisan named 'Old Bill' creating a leather pig footstool for Liberty of London in the 1930s from luggage leather offcuts. Dimitri Omersa took over the business in the late 1950s and expanded the range to include numerous animals, such as the elephant, rhino (which became his logo), and the tortoise/turtle.

Mid-Century Popularity
During the 1960s and 70s, Omersa's designs gained international popularity, especially in the United States, where they were exclusively retailed by the high-end sporting goods store Abercrombie & Fitch. Although most famous for his large footstools, Omersa also produced smaller animals like this tortoise, which were equally cherished as whimsical, high-quality decor items for country homes and executive offices. These pieces embody the eclectic, playful side of Mid-Century Modern design.

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