Maitland-Smith Bronze Monkey Card or Candle Holder. Singerie. Philippines
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Singerie, a visual arts depiction, can be found back in ancient Egypt but more popular in France over the last couple of centuries. The word – singerie – is the name given to a visual arts genre depicting monkeys imitating human behavior. Such monkeys are often dressed in high attire, intended as a diverting sight, always with a gentle cast of mild satire. You know, like French satire is noted for.
I have a number of these singerie pieces.
And, of course, this is another piece from Maitland-Smith.
Maitland-Smith – founded by a well-known London antique dealer and designer – acquired and reproduced world class and quality products. Their expertise includes metal casting, finely executed porcelains, sophisticated finishing techniques, detailed hand painting, beautiful inlaid marquetry/parquetry, the finest hand carved woodwork and the highest quality hand finishing/painting.
This piece shows off their expertise in the lost wax casting process . . another time-honored technique that was developed long before the machine age.
Great for a business card holder, a candle or a modest amount of loose pocket change.
Some red paint chips but otherwise in great condition. Felt bottom.
A great conversation piece.