Vintage 1980s Makoulpa South African Pewter & Wood Safari Animal Napkin Rings – Set of 8

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An exceptional complete collection of eight vintage Makoulpa safari animal napkin rings, purchased in South Africa during the 1980s and … Read more An exceptional complete collection of eight vintage Makoulpa safari animal napkin rings, purchased in South Africa during the 1980s and retained by the same family ever since.

Each sculptural ring combines a beautifully polished warm-toned wood body with an intricately modeled pewter African animal, creating a wonderful contrast of natural material and silvery metal. The collection includes an engaging assortment of safari wildlife, with each animal individually modeled and remarkably expressive.

Particularly charming is the way the original owner used the collection when entertaining: the larger, more substantial animals were placed at the gentlemen's settings, while the smaller examples were used for the ladies, creating a varied and wonderfully theatrical table.

Used only a handful of times, the collection remains in excellent vintage condition. The pewter retains beautiful detail and patina, and the wood presents exceptionally well. One giraffe ring has several light surface finish marks to the wood, shown clearly in the photographs; otherwise only minimal wear consistent with age and occasional use.

An exceptional complete set of eight vintage Makoulpa safari animal napkin rings, purchased in South Africa during the 1980s and retained by the same family ever since.

Beautifully sculptural and wonderfully expressive, each napkin ring combines a richly polished warm-toned wood ring with an intricately cast pewter African animal. The complete collection features eight different animals: elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, Cape buffalo, warthog, cheetah, and hippopotamus.

Each animal is individually modeled with remarkable character and detail, from the elephant's wonderfully oversized ears and the rhino's textured hide to the zebra's distinctive striping and the cheetah's spotted coat. Together, the varied forms create an especially charming and dramatic table setting.

The original owner used the collection in a particularly lovely way when entertaining, placing the larger, heavier animal rings at the gentlemen's settings and pairing them with the smaller, more delicate examples at the ladies' settings. The variation in scale gives the set an engaging, collected quality and makes for a beautifully composed table.

Purchased during a family trip to South Africa in the 1980s, the napkin rings were used only a handful of times and have been carefully stored ever since. They remain in excellent vintage condition, with the pewter and polished wood presenting beautifully. The giraffe ring shows several light surface finish marks to the wood, as photographed; otherwise, there is only minimal wear consistent with age and occasional use. No cracks, breaks, repairs, or structural damage noted.

Both functional and highly decorative, this complete Makoulpa collection would be equally at home on an elegantly set dining table or displayed as a group of miniature wildlife sculptures. A wonderful addition to a safari-inspired, British Colonial, traditional, or globally collected interior.

Maker: Makoulpa
Country of Origin: South Africa
Period: 1980s
Materials: Pewter, wood
Set: 8 napkin rings, one of each animal
Animals: Elephant, Rhinoceros, Giraffe, Zebra, Cape Buffalo, Warthog, Cheetah, Hippopotamus

Measurements:
Overall, most measure just under 5" in length and 2.5" tall
Napkin rings: 2.25" Diameter X 1.25" Wide with a 1.25" opening for the napkin.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition, minor surface marks consistent with age

A sophisticated and whimsical addition to a safari-inspired table, lodge interior, bar setting, or collection of African decorative arts, and particularly striking displayed together when not in use. See less