Tall ( 32" ) pair aged leather obelisks enhanced with embossed gold decoration were designed in the late-20th century by Paul Maitland-Smith for Theodore Alexander. Paul Maitland-Smith was an antiques dealer in London beginning in the 1950s. He expanded into selling reproduction furniture - the market that became his specialty - and established Maitland-Smith Ltd. in 1979, collaborating with well-known designers such as Tony Duquette, Celerie Kemble and Susan Hable Smith, and founded Theodore and Alexander in 1996. The Egyptians carved and placed stone obelisks at temple entrances to represent sun rays in honor of the Sun God, Ra. The Romans took a fancy to the Egyptian design, resulting in the placement of obelisks throughout the Roman Empire. The concept of the obelisk has influenced cultures around the world, including those in South America, France, Italy, United States of America, and Ethiopia. Dimensions: 7.25ʺW × 7.25ʺD × 32ʺH In stock now at #indiastreetantiques and ready for pick-up, delivery, and shipping! #obelisks #embossedleather #paulmaitlandsmith #theodorealexander 😊 @chairishco @passportsandiego @maitland_smith @theodore_alexander_official @best.of.sandiego @littleitalysandiego @littleitalysd (at India Street Antiques / Danish Modern San Diego) https://www.instagram.com/p/Chu_7xAPIvk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=