Antique WW1 Trench Art shell case table lamps, a pair, brass, Chinoiserie, engraved with dragons,1920`s ca, Japanese.
Authentic Trench Art brass shell casing, most probably from WW1, converted into unique table lamps. The exquisite quality artwork was created in relief with hand-chased background.
This pair of antique lamps have been gently cleaned while respecting the aged patina. They are newly rewired, earthed, PAT tested by an electrician and ready to use. Each has the following new components: brass lamp holder, gold silk cable, white cord switch, white plug (UK Plug up to 250V) and new lampshades. These lamps can be used with a dimmer. It is possible to use these lights in other countries with a light bulb suitable to local electricity.
These lamps are converted brass shell casings or Trench Art. This refers to objects made by anyone in response to conflict or recycled out of war materials. In these examples each brass shell was embellished with a Japanese dragon. Having three toes is explained by the myth that five toed dragons originated in China and lost a toe as the dragon travelled. This is likely the explanation these Japanese dragons have three toes on each foot, while Chinese dragons most often have four and Chinese Imperial dragons have five.
The dragon to the Japanese is a mythological creature that symbolizes strength, wisdom, power, wealth, and is seen as a guardian over people.
Looking at the quality of the embellishment and the detailed dragon form, this piece was likely made by a Japanese local as souvenir for visiting solders.
Below the engraved dragon the brass is also decorated with a decorative band, a strand of ivy leaves on textured background with a bold upper & lower band. The `Tsuta` (Boston Ivy) leaf is featured on the Miyasaka family crest. The tenacious ivy vine overcoming all obstacles to climb & flourish is an ancient symbol of prosperity
The brass base was mounted by the artist on Bakelite, originally black as still can be seen on the flat bottom portion of the base. The exposed side faded with time & light into a `walnut-like` brown. The Bakelite base is stepped, which adds to the sculptural the presence. This also creates a softer surface for when these lamps are placed on furniture.
Towards the top, each vase is slightly conical and has been shaped to have a lip. This is where the vase has been adapted into a lamp with a brass insert, brass column and a new E14 brass lamp holder. There are two removable brass screw rings which hold the lampshade securely in place. The electrical cable exits the brass plate to the side of the column to preserve the integrity of the brass vase.
Each lamp carries 1 standard small screw light bulb (E14) up to 40 Watts. At present they are fitted & photographed with Golf shaped `frosted` light bulbs of 40 Watts. The lightbulbs are included in the price. These lamps could take other E14 bulb shapes.
There is a new UK plug up to 250V and earthed, this can be easily changed outside the UK to local electricity.
Each lamp is finished with a new drum lampshade. The outside of the shade is in black fabric while the inside is lined in lined white, which enhances the glow of light.
These antique lamps are in good condition for their age. The original antique patina has been preserved, adding character & depth. The metal surfaces are in good condition. The brass frames are sound with no damages. The original lacquer is present on the brass, with minor superficial marks & patination in places in line with age & wear. The Bakelite has some losses and fading in line with age. The 2 lampshades are new and in very good condition.
Additional dimensions:
The total Height with the shades on is: 45 cm.
The base alone (without the lampshades) is: Height: 32.5 cm, Width: 9.5 cm, Depth: 9.5 cm.
The lampshade alone is: Height: 20 cm, Diameter: 30 cm.
Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care while packing. For safe transport the bases & lampshades would be wrapped separately in bubble wrap, foam and an outer layer of card. Together these parts would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing nuts, safe for posting with a courier. We ship with reliable couriers (signed for, tracked & insured).
MAIN DELIVERY CHARGES:
Within London UK: Free
UK Mainland: £ Free
European Union: £ 110
United States/Canada: £ 195
Japan: £ 265
Australia: £ 380
Rest of the World please enquire.
TRENCH ART HISTORY
Trench Art is any decorative item made by soldiers, prisoners of war, or even civilians where the manufacture is directly linked to an armed conflict or its consequences. It offers an insight not only to their feelings and emotions about the war, but also their surroundings and the materials they had available to them at the time. The term is given today to a wide variety of decorative items, many also functional, produced during or soon after the First World War. It is also applied to items produced in both earlier or more recent wars.
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