Pair Of Oxblood And Gilt Bronze Lamps, Attributed To Gagneau, Napoleon III Period.

A very elegant pair of oxblood ceramic and gilt bronze lamps, France, Napoleon III period, circa 1860-1870. Attributed to Maison Gagneau (Paris) — a major Parisian lighting firm founded in 1800, celebrated for the quality of its bronzes and awarded prizes in London in 1851 and Paris in 1855. The oxblood ceramic bodies are inspired by Far Eastern designs. The oxblood glaze, with its Asian influences, illustrates the fascination with the Orient and the Chinese influences so fashionable during the Second Empire. The finely chased gilt bronze mounts feature lion heads and rings, and the bases are quatrefoil-shaped. The details are particularly refined: intricately carved lion heads, movable rings, alternating matte and burnished gilding, a quatrefoil base encircled by a laurel frieze—all these elements are characteristic of high-end Parisian production from the second half of the 19th century and perfectly illustrate the work of the Gagneau firm. We have just commissioned this pair of luxurious pagoda-shaped lampshades: gold moiré, gold metallic fringe, and tassels matching the ceramic. (Recent workshop work, high level of craftsmanship.) New wiring (recently redone). Sold as a pair. Very good condition. Provenance: former private collection in Brussels (purchased in Brussels). Dimensions – Total height: 77 cm – Height of base only: 40 cm – Width of lampshade: 45 cm