They have been guarding libraries for decades — and they are absolutely not done yet. Two brass Egyptian Revival sphinxes, each with her own distinct face and story — together, a pair of considerable ancient authority.
DESCRIPTION:
Some bookends hold books. These command the entire room.
This magnificent pair of vintage brass Egyptian Revival sphinxes brings the full authority of ancient Egypt to your shelves. Each figure is cast in heavy solid brass — the reclining lion body rendered with muscular precision, both figures facing forward in the classic guardian posture.
Look closely and you discover their individual characters: the left sphinx presents a softer, more feminine face with a flowing braided lock falling forward over her shoulder; the right bears the stronger, more structured classic pharaonic features with crisp nemes headdress striping. Two guardians from the same ancient tradition — each with her own distinct face and story. Far from a flaw, this pairing has the charm of a thoughtfully assembled collection, the kind that accumulates naturally in the finest homes over decades of discerning acquisition.
The natural brass patina developed over decades gives each sphinx a depth and warmth that no new reproduction can replicate.
The Egyptian Revival Tradition Egyptian Revival decorative arts experienced their greatest popularity in two distinct waves — following Napoleon's Egyptian campaign of 1798, and again in the 1920s following the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. Mid-century Hollywood Regency interiors embraced Egyptian motifs with particular enthusiasm, and brass sphinx figures from this era are among the most actively sought pieces in the current vintage market.
THE DETAILS