The closer we get to America's Semiquincentennial, the more I'm admiring Canada. Perhaps I'm just longing for the competence, judgement and sensibility (not to mention, the politesse) which the two neighbors once shared in-common. Now, we kill science; they have health care. We have oil spills; they have maple syrup. We have a cage match; they have Heated Rivalry. And, speaking of Heated Rivalry, I confess to being helplessly smitten. Just today, I have placed my pre-order for the snuggly red and white "Canada" fleece, like the one which Shane Hollander wears to the Sochi Olympics. (Order-taking began today at Noon; the fleece will be delivered in October. Click HERE if you're interested in the link.)
One of Canada's most iconic symbols is the beaver. This probably harkens-back to the critical importance of beavers to colonial Canadians in the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries. Fur trapping was a significant business and many of the pelts were shipped to Europe (for hats, coats, collars and muffs). The Canadian merchant, Hudson's Bay Company, got its start (in 1670) by trading in beaver furs. In the company's original coat-of-arms, one can see four beavers (in the "passant proper" attitude). Many beaver pelts were shipped-down the Hudson River, to New York City, where they were sent across the Atlantic to Europe (and which may explain why the 1625 Seal of New York City depicts a beaver).
But beavers also are admired for their industriousness and engineering prowess. They are a symbol of the Royal Canadian Engineers and the Canadian Pacific Railway. They are the mascot of the University of Toronto (and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Canada's first postage stamp, called the "Three Pence Beaver," was issued in 1851 and featured an engraved beaver. And Canada's nickel, even to this day, presents a busy beaver, hard-at-work.
The pair of French Late Deco bookends, shown above, feature a cast-spelter beaver, mounted upon a black marble base. He was made in the Fifties or Sixties and is finished in a warm golden bronze patina. Technically, this beaver (coming from France) is probably of the Eurasian variety—though French Canadians may not hold this against him. Click on one of the photos above to learn more about him.
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).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.