Presented is a fabulous quality antique French porcelain lamp, with ormolu mounts, dating to circa 1900-1910, likely Sevres. The body of the lamp is beautifully hand painted, with a charming scene of a courting couple, the man carving initials in a heart on a tree, on one side, with a scenic landscape on the other side. The neck, foot, and top are finely hand gilt with continuous bands of intricate decoration in two tones of gold, nicely detailed and done in a raised, textured way. The mounts are gilt bronze with very finely done hand engraved detailing, for a very classical look. Most prominent are the three dimensional winged angels on either side, done in a stylized form reminiscent of a ship's figurehead, but very ornate. Given the 'cap' on the top where the lightbulb socket is, and how it matches the rest of the gilt decoration perfectly, this piece was surely made originally as a lamp and is not converted from a vase.
Please note, this piece will be shipped disassembled, with the 'harp' for supporting a lamp shade removed, but re-assembly is extremely straightforward.
This piece is in excellent condition. The porcelain has no chips, no cracks, no breaks, and no repairs. The gilt bronze mounts are in great shape, though there some minor wear to the gilding here and there, please view the photos carefully and let them guide your judgment. The lamp works, we have plugged it in and tested it with a standard bulb.
The lamp stands about 33 inches tall with the harp, or about 23 1/4 inches to the top of the lightbulb socket, and measures about 8 1/2 inches across the angel handles, or about 6 1/4 inches in diameter without the handles. -jm
