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Vintage John Perry Signed Pellucida "Dolphin School" Pod Burlwood Sculpture
An Authentic California Studio Marine Masterpiece — Hand-Inscribed Provenance
Presenting an exceptional, authentic mid-to-late 20th-century marine sculpture by the renowned California wildlife artist and biologist, John Perry. This piece beautifully captures a pod of four dolphins gracefully breaching in unison.
Artistry & Material Composition
The four dolphins are beautifully cast from Pellucida, a proprietary resin compound formulated exclusively by Perry's studio to replicate the premium, smooth, satin finish of artisan-carved bone or fine bisque porcelain. Each marine figure is dynamically pinned to a highly figured, organic slab of wild California Manzanita burlwood. The intense contrast between the smooth, cream-colored marine figures and the dark, craggy, polished grains of the natural burl showcases the studio's celebrated West Coast aesthetic.
Measurements & Dimensions:
• Maximum Length: 4-3/4 inches
• Maximum Width: 4-1/2 inches
• Maximum Height (from display surface to the tip of the highest breaching dolphin): 1-1/2 inches
Hallmarks & Provenance
The underside features the genuine, hand-etched studio signature authenticating the piece:
• "Perry" (Inscribed directly into the wood grain by the studio workshops)
• Features the original soft felt protection pads to protect vanity and tabletop surfaces.
Condition Report
Excellent vintage condition. The four Pellucida dolphins are entirely intact with no chips, fractures, or missing tips to the delicate dorsal or tail fins. The structural pin mounts are perfectly rigid, secure, and stable. The natural burlwood base retains its rich, deep high-gloss factory finish.
A quintessential example of California studio craft that serves as a beautiful accent for mid-century modern, coastal, or maritime design collections.
Market Research & Material Truths
• The Artist: Sculptor and biologist John Perry established his studio in Southern California in 1973. He revolutionized wildlife art by mounting fluid, dynamic marine life figurines onto raw, highly polished California Manzanita burlwood bases. Because each piece of burl is completely unique, no two sculptures are ever identical.
• The Material: Despite looking remarkably like hand-carved bone, horn, or early celluloid, the dolphins are actually made of Pellucida. This is a proprietary compound of durable resins formulated exclusively by John Perry. It was specifically engineered to mimic the smooth, translucent, off-white qualities of fine bisque porcelain or polished marine ivory while allowing the delicate fins to remain durable and chip-resistant.
• Scarcity & Market Value: This four-dolphin configuration—often called a "Dolphin Pod" or "Dolphin School"—is a classic cataloged piece from the John Perry Studio. While single or double dolphin pieces are common on the market, larger multi-animal configurations on heavy, dramatic burls are highly favored by mid-century and coastal decor enthusiasts.
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