French Napoleon III Style Gilt Bronze, Porcelain and Opaline Glass Hanging Lamp, Late 19th Century

Description

French Napoleon III Style Gilt Bronze, Porcelain and Opaline Glass Hanging Lamp, late 19th century.

A decorative French hanging oil lamp in the Napoleon III taste, later converted to electricity. The lamp combines gilt bronze or gilt brass mounts, a polychrome painted porcelain body and a frosted opaline glass shade.

The porcelain body is decorated with floral bouquets, gilt scrollwork and a turquoise-blue lower band. It is set within an elaborate gilt metal frame with scrolling side handles terminating in dragon or chimera heads, adding a strong historicist and chinoiserie-inspired decorative character.

The upper section is fitted with a frosted opaline glass shade of flared tulip form, with a wavy rim and etched floral decoration. The lamp is suspended from three long gilt metal rods or chains attached to a decorative ceiling canopy cast with foliage and scrolls.

The design combines Second Empire historicism, Rococo Revival ornament and chinoiserie-inspired dragon motifs. Originally an oil lamp, it was later converted to electricity. The wiring and functionality have not been tested.

Origin:
France.

Period:
Late 19th century.

Style:
Napoleon III / Second Empire, Rococo Revival, historicist, chinoiserie-inspired details.

Type:
Hanging oil lamp, later converted to electricity.

Material:
Gilt bronze or gilt brass, painted porcelain, opaline glass.

Technique:
Casting, gilding, porcelain painting, glass etching, later electrical conversion.

Decoration:
Floral bouquets, gilt scrollwork, turquoise-blue band, dragon or chimera head handles, etched floral decoration on opaline glass shade.

Dimensions:
Height: 101 cm.
Width: 44 cm.

Condition:
Age-related wear to gilding, oxidation, surface marks and later electrical conversion. Wiring and functionality have not been tested. The porcelain and glass should be checked for cracks, chips or restoration. The condition is shown in the photographs.