Art Nouveau Odyl Fireplace Set with Panther Motif, 1920, Set of 3

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Description

Art deco mantel clock with panthers, france, circa 1920, by odyv.

made of ivory-pink glazed ceramic, decorated with two facing … Read more Art deco mantel clock with panthers, france, circa 1920, by odyv.

made of ivory-pink glazed ceramic, decorated with two facing felines in chromed metal depicting stylized panthers, framing a rectangular dial with stylized black arabic numerals. The base is architecturally designed with stepped edges.

the clock winds but does not run, so it needs servicing. The mechanism appears to be in working order. I am not a horological expert, so i leave this to the buyer.

note: minor restorations to the right pillar of the mantelpiece, and some loss of chrome patina on the two jaguars.

central element dimensions: 45cm x 22cm x 12cm
pillar dimensions: 16cm x 16cm x 5cm

a little about odyv:

odyv is a simple and affectionate contraction of the first names odile and yvonne, the wives of the two founders of this earthenware company, established in vierzon, in the centre region of france, in the 1920s.

this was the art deco era, a time of great change: lines became more geometric, more modern, but the taste for refinement, beauty, and detail remained. Odyv embraced this modernity with grace, creating everyday objects… that resembled small sculptures.

clocks, animals, bookends…

what did odyv make? decorative clocks, vases, stylized animals, magnificent glazed earthenware bookends, often in deep colors, sometimes with metallic sheens.

everything is designed to be both beautiful and useful. The forms are understated yet elegant, very much in keeping with the times.

it was a discreet company, but highly regarded for the quality of its glazes. Odyv possessed true expertise, a sense of color and material. Some pieces have now become collector's items, sought after for their refinement and timeless appeal. See less