Max Le Verrier ashtray "The Secret of Happiness"

Bronze catchall from the Art Deco period signed Max Le Verrier (1891-1973), an iconic model titled "The Secret of Happiness". It represents the famous three wise monkeys (Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru): • the one who sees no evil, • the one who hears no evil, • the one who speaks no evil. The monkeys are finely modelled in relief with gold, beautifully contrasting with the textured background featuring a lovely green patina (characteristic verdigris of the Le Verrier workshop). It has a twisted rope border and raised Japanese ideograms on each side. On the back: inscription "The Secret of Happiness", signature "M. Le Verrier", and the mention "Bronze". Approximate dimensions: Length ≈ 14.5 / 15 cm. Width ≈ 8 cm. Height ≈ 1 cm. Material: Bronze. Period: circa 1930. Style: Art Deco / Japonisme. Condition: Very good used condition. Beautiful original patina, light wear consistent with age (see photos). No notable losses or accidents. A piece that is both decorative and functional: ideal as an entryway catchall, jewellery tray, desk object, or simply a collector's item. Max Le Verrier is one of the great sculptor-founders of Parisian Art Deco, highly sought after for his bronzes with green patina and his animal or allegorical subjects.