1960s Animal Sculptures

A whimsical ceramic moose by Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg Pottery.

A pine "Aries" sculpture designed and produced by Kaija Aarikka, Finland, c. 1960s

Swedish sculptor, Olle Hermansson is primarily known for his cast iron sculptures and fire screens in the Brutalist style. The characters and creatures appearing in his works are often inspired by Nordic mythology. This characteristic rooster is no exception, having just as much variety in forms and shapes as meaning in mythology. The rooster’s symbolism is very deep in the Celtic and Scandinavian countries. While the painted wooden roosters are not as old as the Dala horses, their history goes back at least to 1760. In Norse mythology, the rooster "Gullinkambe" (golden comb) sits on the top of the world tree "Yggdrasil" and will awaken the monarchs to battle when the world is coming to an end. This mid-century Swedish rooster is made entirely of cast iron which enhances its Brutalist impression. It stands on an oval base and is in a pose that suggests that it is indeed ready to awaken said monarchs. The main features of a rooster are highlighted, including its spurs, cape, and comb on its head. Cast iron, is an essentially brutalist material with a raw look that invites the eyes to discover the details beyond the rough surface. Signed OH, standing for Olle Hermansson on its bottom, this sculpture was manufactured by Husqvarna. Since starting out in 1689, Husqvarna (sic.) has manufactured a wide range of quality products, but non-utility, artistic pieces are exceptionally rare. This rare Brutalist rooster...

This is a beautifully patinated bronze mermaid sculpture by Barbara Beretich. The mermaid is kneeling with her arms up. Her hair seamlessly blends i...

Sculpture gorilla by unknown designer. Produced by Gabriel in Sweden.

A wonderful collectors example of an original leather elephant footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch, circa 1963. This example is signed with the circle 'A&F CO' embossed stamp under one ear, has the early nail heads under its feet, and is covered in beautifully aged and patinated gorgeous brown leather. Ideal collectors example or for an interior designer wanting the perfect finishing touch. Omersa started producing the Elephant in 1959 and was the first new design after the Pig which had been in production for over 30 years at that point. This example is one of the early 1960s ones produced for Abercrombie & Fitch per the embossed A&F stamped ear. Some creative ways to use an Omersa is as an ottoman next to a coffee table, a designer footstool for a reading chair or something to rest your elbow while sitting in your favorite lounge chair, on a credenza, sideboard, bookshelf or mantle as a tabletop sculpture, on the floor as a floor sculpture or as a friendly companion for an otherwise lonely house dog or cat, or by the front door as a greeter to your guests and when you return home after a long day. They are made with an inner steel frame so they can withstand a good amount of weight. Adults can sit on the larger ones and kids can sit on most of the smaller ones. We think it's great to name your Omersa, as many Omersa owners do, and we also believe every home needs at least one Omersa. Omersa's have so much personality and character - each one was hand made of the highest quality leather, beautifully stained and waxed, this one approximately 50 to 60 years ago, and each of the years this one has lived has developed its own stories to tell through its gorgeous patina, it's no wonder most Omersa owners have developed personal relationship with theirs - not too much different than a house pet. We love our personal Omersa's that we keep at home, they always make us smile. A client of ours got one after his dog had passed, he said he wasn't ready yet for another - so an Omersa became the perfect friend at a time in need. From 1927 though 1950 leather pigs using scrap leather from hand made luggage were made by "Old Bill" for the department store Liberty of London. Around 1958 the business was transferred to Dimitri Omersa when Old Bill retired, and it was at this time that Dimitri came up with the ideas for other leather animals. Around 1963 Dimitri's leather animals caught the eye of Abercrombie and Fitch, at that time purveyor to the fantasies of the rich and famous. The animals were advertised in the A&F catalog from the mid 1960’s through to the late 1980’s. This leather elephant is an excellent early production Abercrombie and Fitch original of this design with lots of light age and patina, signed with early Abercrombie and Fitch logo, making this example ideal for a collector or interior designer with a love for aged leather. As you can see in our photos, we have a large collection of Omersa leather animals...

Danish Rocking Horse from Den Permanente, Copenhagen. 1960c. Interactive by pulling strings for different positions. Den Permanente was a store i...

This is a highly stylized decorative elephant in carved cinnabar set with various semi-precious stones. The cinnabar is a classic color and the elephan...

Carrying import marks for London in 1966, this delightful pair of Sterling Silver Duck models, are realistically cast and hand finished, featuring bead eyes to each. Each duck measur...

A wonderful collectors example of an original leather elephant footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch, circa 1963. This example is signed with the circle 'A&F CO' embo...

A wonderful collectors example of an original leather lion footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch, circa 1960s to 1970s. This exa...

Original bird sculpture in etched pewter and brass with incorporated ostrich egg and sea shell on a bronze base by Roberto Estevez, American 1968 (signed “Estevez 68” on bottom). Thi...