Large Antique Leather Rhino Ottoman by Dimitri Omersa for Libertys of London, 1925

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Description

Exceptionally rare and quite monumental Liberty's of London leather rhinoceros footstool, measuring an impressive 109cm long

The rhinoceros is superbly … Read more Exceptionally rare and quite monumental Liberty's of London leather rhinoceros footstool, measuring an impressive 109cm long

The rhinoceros is superbly constructed and entirely hand formed in thick dark brown leather, with individually worked panels used to create the folds, musculature and armour-like skin of the animal. Particularly charming details include the original-style glass eyes, beautifully modelled horn, separately formed ears and tail, and the extensive hand-worked detailing throughout the body. At 109cm in length, its sheer scale gives it tremendous presence as both a functional footstool and a piece of early 20th-century English decorative sculpture. Liberty's association with these leather animals is particularly fascinating: the celebrated leather animal tradition began with a pig sold through Liberty in 1927, with the later business ultimately passing to Dimitri Omersa, whose name became synonymous with the animals during the mid-20th century The leather displays a superb deep chocolate-brown colour with the rich, almost blackened areas and natural variation that only develop through many decades of age. There are the expected historic marks, creases, old repairs and irregularities associated with an early hand-made leather animal of this scale, all contributing enormously to its character. It remains a wonderfully imposing and highly decorative example, and the combination of its enormous 109cm size, early construction and Liberty's association makes this a particularly exciting collector's piece

Dimensions Height: 56cm Width: 109cm Depth: 43cm See less