She dances frozen in time — arms raised, tambourine aloft, a smile that hasn't faded in a century. This is a genuine French Art Deco spelter figurine of an exotic tambourine dancer, produced in France circa 1920s–1930s and stamped "Made in France" on the underside. She exemplifies everything the Art Deco movement adored: dynamic movement, an air of the theatrical and exotic, a jeweled bodice rendered in exquisite detail, and a feathered tutu skirt with remarkable casting quality. Her headdress with its topknot finial, beaded costume, and bare midriff reflect the era's infatuation with the Orient and the world of performance — think Ballets Russes, Josephine Baker, the roaring glamour of interwar Paris.

The figure is cast in dark patinated spelter (régule), the preferred medium of French foundries producing decorative sculpture for the middle and upper-middle market. This is not a cheap trinket — the casting is crisp, the face expressive and individualized, and the figure has genuine presence and scale at over 20 inches tall. She stands on a beautiful two-tone stepped marble base — warm honey/peach onyx over dark verde marble — the classic Art Deco stepped pyramid form that elevates this piece into genuine decorative statement territory. A foundry model number (1689) is etched into the skirt base, consistent with period French production practice.

What you're getting: A 100-year-old piece of French decorative arts history in displayable, original condition. No restoration, no repainting — honest vintage patina throughout.

ITEM DETAILS

Condition: Good vintage condition consistent with age. Minor wear to patina on skirt with a small spelter split above number on base. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.

Dimensions: Approximately 20½" tall overall (figure with base) / base measures approximately 7" across body. A commanding presence on a shelf, mantel, or console.

Material: Spelter (zinc-based white metal alloy) with dark bronze patina / two-tone marble and onyx base

Origin: France, circa 1920s–1930s Marks: "Made in France" stamped medallion on underside of base; foundry model number 1689 etched on skirt

Ships carefully packed with full insurance. Questions welcome — we're happy to provide additional photos. From Time's Tin Cup Vintage Emporium — a curated antique and vintage shop in Denville, NJ with an eye for the exceptional. Art Deco dancer, spelter figurine, French sculpture, tambourine dancer, 1920s figurine, Art Deco sculpture, exotic dancer statue, marble base sculpture, vintage French figurine, régule figurine, antique dancer statue, Art Deco decor, Made in France