Vintage 1978 Arthur Court Kicking Donkey Doorstop Sculpture | Brass Donkey Figurine | Mid Century Modern Western Decor

You bet your ass, you need him!

This wonderfully eccentric 1978 Arthur Court Designs kicking donkey is equal parts sculpture, conversation piece, and functional object.

Standing an impressive 14½ inches tall and weighing nearly three pounds, the donkey is captured mid-kick in Arthur Court’s wonderfully expressive, elongated style. He balances dramatically above a long, low-profile base that appears designed to tuck beneath a door, leading us to believe this piece was originally created as a decorative doorstop.

And what a doorstop it is.

The warm golden metal has developed a beautifully aged finish, giving the piece plenty of character without taking away from its striking silhouette. From across the room, it reads almost like a small piece of modernist sculpture; up close, the kicking donkey adds just the right amount of humor.

Arthur Court founded his namesake design company in California in the 1960s and became known for transforming animals and forms from the natural world into imaginative decorative and functional objects. This dated 1978 example perfectly captures the playful sophistication of his early work.

Use him as intended beneath a door, perch him on a stack of oversized art books, or give him pride of place on a bookshelf or console.

Unusual, sculptural, and just irreverent enough.

Details:
Designer: Arthur Court Designs
Dated: 1978
Design: Kicking / bucking donkey
Material: Golden-toned metal; please see photos for finish
Believed to have been designed as a decorative doorstop
Height: 14½"
Base: 7¼" × 2⅝"
Weight: 44 oz. / 2¾ lbs.
Vintage 1970s California design

Condition:
Good vintage condition with age-appropriate patina, oxidation, surface variation, scratches and small marks consistent with its age and possible use as a doorstop. The aged finish is part of the character of the piece and has not been polished away.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the condition description.



About Wesley and Rose Curios:

Inspired by my grandparents, Wesley and Rose, whose home and personal style reflected the modern elegance of mid-century design, a passion for entertaining, and an enduring love of travel—all infused with a touch of Southern charm—I carefully curate unique, vintage pieces that evoke their timeless aesthetic. I scour flea markets, estate sales, and hidden corners of thrift stores, always on the hunt for one-of-a-kind finds that mix old-school vibes with a fresh, contemporary feel. These pieces are more than just nostalgic—they’re a modern take on timeless style. I’m excited to share them with you. Thanks so much for visiting my shop!