A Pair of Art Deco Jean Painlevé Seahorse Shoe Clips

A spectacular and highly collectible pair of Art Deco shoe clips by Jean Painlevé, featuring an iconic seahorse motif in a warm gilt finish set against sleek black Bakelite wedges. Each clip is beautifully detailed with twin sculptural seahorses, framed by elegant brass scrollwork. The design is further elevated by a striking black Bakelite rod running through the centre, cleverly revealed at the ends and between the gilded divisions for bold contrast and strong Deco geometry. The hinged grips to the reverse function perfectly, allowing these to be worn securely while adding dramatic vintage glamour to heels, pumps, or evening shoes. A rare and desirable design, ideal for collectors of Art Deco accessories and Painlevé’s distinctive marine-inspired work. Jean Painlevé (1902–1989) was the celebrated French filmmaker and designer whose pioneering underwater films brought marine life to the screen, with the seahorse becoming one of his most enduring and recognisable themes. Dimensions approx.: front 3cm wide at top, tapering to 2.2cm at base x 4.7cm long; each seahorse 3.6cm high x 1.6cm wide x 0.3cm deep. Total weight 38g. Circa 1920s.