Fine Pair of 19th Century French Celadon Pâte-sur-Pâte Porcelain Lamps with Figural Decora

A quality pair of late 19th-century French Celadon Porcelain Table Lamps with Gold Pinch Pleat Shades Re-Wired & Pat Tested.

Each lamp is formed as an elegant classical vase with a softly coloured celadon-green porcelain ground, beautifully contrasted by finely modelled white pâte-sur-pâte classical female figures each carrying lamps. The figures are depicted in elegant Neoclassical dress and poses, creating a particularly refined and sculptural appearance.

The porcelain bodies are further enhanced by exceptionally decorative cast gilt-bronze mounts, side handles, collars, upper mounts and substantial ornamental bases with laurel leaves. The handles have an architectural Neoclassical character.

The combination of celadon porcelain, white pâte-sur-pâte relief and finely executed ormolu/gilt-bronze mounts is characteristic of the taste for historicist Neoclassicism that was particularly fashionable in France during the second half of the 19th century. The pâte-sur-pâte technique—literally “paste on paste”—involves building up successive layers of liquid porcelain slip to create translucent, three-dimensional relief decoration. The technique became particularly associated with important European porcelain production during the 19th century. 

These lamps are especially impressive as a pair, retaining the symmetry and presence sought after in high-end antique interiors. They would make an exceptional statement on either on a console table, mantel, commode or credenza.

French, late 19th century, in the Neoclassical / Napoleon III taste.

60cm tall including the shade 36cm width of the shade.