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Overview
A matching pair of brass monkey bookends, each showing a seated chimpanzee deep in thought. Each monkey rests its chin on one hand while it holds an open book in the other, and it sits on a tall stack of books with more volumes leaning at its feet. The fur is cast with fine grooves across the head, back and arms, and the faces, fingers, book spines and page edges are well detailed. The finish is a warm golden brass on the raised areas, with a darker patina in the recesses that brings out the texture. They suit a bookshelf, desk or study, and they make a good gift for a reader or a teacher.
Background
The thinking monkey on a pile of books is a well-known design in decorative art, often called the Darwin monkey, and it goes back to a late 19th-century sculpture of an ape seated on books. This pair is unmarked on the visible surfaces; the bases are covered with felt. The figures are cast metal and heavy, at just over 3 lb each, which helps them hold a full row of books.
Condition
Good pre-owned condition with no breaks or repairs seen. There is light wear to the finish, a few small scratches and spots on the open books, and some dark and greenish discoloration along the base edges, mainly on one bookend. The felt on the undersides is intact with light wear and some lint. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
Each bookend is about 7 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches (H x W x D). The pair weighs about 6 lb 1 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
