Art Deco

This rare Art Deco statue Almeira in bronze and ivory by Demetre Chiparus comes up for grabs at Bonhams Knightsbridge auction of 20th Century Decorative Arts on 19 June. The bronze was hand-painted and the ivory meticulously carved. Less than five large models were ever made. It was first shown at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris in 1925, from which the term "Art Deco" was derived. This historic statue capturing the spirit of the Roaring Twenties and the emancipation of young women following World War I is estimated to fetch up to £300,000 (CLICK).