1930’s Universal Statuary Corp. Italian-Style Urn and Basin Sculpture Decor

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The Universal Statuary Company was started in Chicago, by two brothers, Jack and Leo Lucchessi, in the 1930’s. Jack’s wife … Read more The Universal Statuary Company was started in Chicago, by two brothers, Jack and Leo Lucchessi, in the 1930’s. Jack’s wife was from Guatemala, and the brothers did their best to encourage Italian and Guatemalan artisans to immigrate to America and help them out, by offering them employment opportunities. The Universal Statuary Corporation was best known for its contract work for such companies as Sears, Wards and large advertising firms.
I have seen a few of these lavabo and basin sets from the 1950s through the 70s, but none earlier, and this set is finely detailed and they have been exquisitely painted.— most of the later ones produced have noticeably inferior, painted finishes. This pair is absolutely stunning and seems to be in mint condition.
At first glance, I believed that this set was entirely comprised of chalkwear, but it seems to be hollow, and it has drainage holes located on the back of the pieces. Then I thought that maybe it was a thick, heavy plastic, but the brothers did not start incorporating plastics until the 1970s…?
Nonetheless, it is a beautiful set, decorated with an Italian-style flair and finish—very elegant!
The basin is 5.5”H x 6”D x 13”D and a weight of 2.4lbs
The urn is 16.5”H x 4.5”D x 10.5”W and a weight of 3lbs
This would look quite lovely, hung outside with a beautiful red geranium, a spike, and an ivy planted in the basin; however, I would probably bring it in if the temps fell below freezing. See less