ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 29, 1996 TAG: 9610010028
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO KATHY SUE GRIGG
COLUMN: Antiques & Designs
Art deco, a style that emerged from the fast-paced 1920s and 1930s, brought life to their pieces, many of which were figurines.
The subject matter was drawn from history, literature, opera and current happenings in everyday life. Among the most popular subjects were soldiers, jazz musicians and dancers. There were figures made for lamps, plant stands, book ends, vases, etc.
One name that is synonymous with art deco is Frenchman Robj Bibelots, who advertised in the periodical Art et Industrie from 1927-1931, as well as in The Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art.
In order to promote art deco, Robj conducted a contest among painters and sculptors in 1927. The designs that were submitted were judged by experts in the art and design field. The winner was a figure called "Le Chemin de la Vie" by Raoul Mabru that Robj later produced in a limited edition of 20. Needless to say, if you found one of these today it would bring a pretty penny.
There are many other Robj figures still around, and by today's standards, they are a good investment. All Robj figures are marked "Robj" "Paris" and "Made in France."
The piece featured in the photo above is a good example of the subject matters of everyday life.
Kathy Sue Grigg would like to hear your comments and ideas about antiques and interior designs. Write to her in care of The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Roger Hart. This 16-by-14-inch art deco piece of a womanby CNBwalking her dogs is not a Robj vut copies his style. color.