Ferdinand Preiss, 'Lighter than Air', past 1930
Ferdinand Preiss, 'Lighter than Air', past 1930, H. 34.7 cm (incl. base). Cold-painted bronze, head, arms and legs of carved ivory. Glass ball. Base of onyx and black marble. Plaque inscribed: Lighter than Air Ada May by F. Preiss.

Please note that due to US and Japanese law this item cannot be sold to any US state or territory and to Japan because it contains Material protected by the Washington conservation agreement such as ivory, rhino horn or rosewood etc.
, Ada May was the inspiration for this sculpture. The English music hall dancer became famous with her 'Lighter than Air' number in C. B. Cochran's revue which premiered in 1930 at London Pavilion. (Shayo, 2005, p. 54)
Shayo, Ferdinand Preiss, Woodbridge 2005, p. 183; Catley, Art Deco and other figures, Woodbridge 1998, p. 273.