This week, we're presenting some of our favorite felines—The LEO in Summer—which can be found in our LEO Design on-line shop.
Spelter is a metalic alloy—mostly zinc, usually combined with various other metals, like tin, antimony or lead. In the Nineteenth Century, spelter became very popular as a casting alternative to bronze. When cast, it conveys fine detail very well and is lighter and less expensive than bronze. But spelter is also very brittle (subject to cracking, if dropped). All manner of decorative objects—clocks, trophies, candlesticks, bookends—were made of spelter. After casting, the pieces can be patinated, like bronze, or painted, like the lion above. Being economical (and easier to work with, due to its lower melting point), spelter was perfect for making inexpensive toys like soldiers, animals or game board parts.
Our lion shown here, standing atop his mountain, is nicely hand-painted. Note the sculptural detail of his luxuriant mane and the nap of the fur covering his body. Click on the photo above to learn more about him.
More Summer Lions tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248