Antique bronze statue lamps, Caryatids, Maison Charles, gold plated gilt, 1920`s ca, French.
These table lamps have been gently cleaned while respecting the vintage patina. They are newly rewired and earthed with antique gold tone silk cable, fully working and PAT tested by an electrician. Each lamp has a new porcelain & brass lamp holder, a new black cord switch & a new black plug. Light bulbs included. They can be used with a dimmer. It is possible to use these lights in other countries although it may be necessary to purchase different light bulbs suitable to local electricity.
These vintage table lamps were probably made by French Company Maison Charles, the attributed designer, as they have many of the distinctive design features: a combination of Regency & Neoclassical style, elegant proportions, luxury materials & quality casting.
The best-known examples are the 6 figures of the Caryatid Porch on the Acropolis where the sculpted female figure serves as a column. The Greek term karyatides literally means "maidens of Karyai", an ancient town of Peloponnese. Often the figure is supporting a basket on her head representing one of the maidens who carried sacred objects used at feasts of the goddesses Athena & Artemis. Architects of the 19th Century also used these mythical forms such as the lighting outside Paris Opera House.
The elegant Neoclassical style of these lights would suit a range of interiors such as Antique, Traditional, Hollywood Regency, Post Modern, or Contemporary.
In these table lamps the kneeling Caryatid is unique as the usual position of a Caryatid is standing. Each wears a Grecian dress with subtle decoration at the waist. This is repeated again at the thighs which appear to have openings, perhaps with bows to be untied to expose flesh.
Balancing an elaborate basket on her head, she holds this with arms symmetrically placed either side. The basket is draped with fabric, tassels and a snake coiling around.
At the top of the basket there is a new brass & porcelain lamp holder. Each carries one standard small screw light bulb E14 up to 40 Watts each. At present fitted with Candle Clear light bulbs of 25 Watts, as photographed, which are included in the price.
From the back each sculpture is as well detailed as the front. Cleverly the silk cable flows from the hair adding to the perception of the woman`s hairstyle.
Each figure is positioned on a gilt bronze stepped square plinth making it very stable. At the bottom there is new black felt to gently protect the furniture when these lamps are in place.
Each light is finished with a removable new clip-on black silk lampshade. This is lined gold metallic and edged with a black fabric trim.
This trio of lamps are all three of the same design & proportions although in one of them, the silk cable at the back comes out slightly from a different location. One of the identical pair was cast slightly in angle.
This trio of vintage lamps is in very good condition. The original warm antique patina is present adding character, with minor rubbing to the gilt & marks in line with age & wear. They are sound with no cracks or damages.
This trio of lamps sell together or each individually. The price featured here is for one lamp.
Additional dimensions:
The base alone (without the lampshade) has the following dimensions: Height: 21 cm, Width: 7.5 cm & Depth: 7.5 cm.
The lampshade alone has the following dimensions: Height: 9.5 cm, Diameter at the bottom: 14 cm, Diameter at the top: 7 cm
Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care with packing. For safe transport the shades will be wrapped separately in bubble wrap and an outer layer of card. These will be stacked together. The bases will also be wrapped separately in bubble wrap & card. Together these pieces would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing suitable for posting with a courier.
MAISON CHARLES HISTORY
Maison Charles Lighting was founded in 1908 by Ernest Charles and is still in operation today. Read more on our Roomscape Blog about
Maison Charles Luminaires.
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