A Pair Of Art Nouveau Porcelain Wall Sconces

Pair of Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces – Art Nouveau Period – Chinoiserie Decoration with Cranes

A rare and elegant pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, perfectly illustrating the fascination with the Far East that influenced the decorative arts of the period.

Each sconce features a rectangular panel upholstered in deep green fabric, serving as a backdrop for an oval polychrome porcelain plaque. The plaques depict a delicate woodland landscape: a clearing crossed by a path, tall slender trees with airy foliage, and a softly misty atmosphere rendered in subtle shades of blue, green, and brown. The light and nuanced brushwork recalls Japanese prints and the naturalistic aesthetic so characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement.

The porcelain plaques are set within finely chased gilt bronze mounts. The decoration adopts a distinctly Chinoiserie vocabulary:

• A pediment adorned with a crane with outstretched wings, a symbol of longevity and spiritual elevation in Asian iconography.

• Framing elements inspired by stylized bamboo motifs.

• The lower section enhanced with asymmetrical scrolls and flowing vegetal forms typical of Art Nouveau design.

Each sconce is fitted with two light arms in gilt bronze, featuring pierced vegetal decoration and terminating in finely worked bobeches and candle nozzles. The ensemble displays a beautiful, even antique patina, enhancing the depth and refinement of the chasing.

Details:

• Period: Art Nouveau, circa 1890–1910

• Materials: Hand-painted porcelain, gilt bronze

• Decoration: Forest landscape, cranes, Orientalist/Chinoiserie inspiration

• Lighting: Two lights per sconce

• Condition: Good overall condition, with wear consistent with age

This highly decorative pair combines pictorial refinement with rich ornamental detail. It would be ideally suited to an elegant interior, whether eclectic, Art Nouveau, or inspired by Far Eastern aesthetics.