émile Gallé – Rare “pagode Aux Papillons” Lamp, Circa 1900

Rare Art Nouveau table lamp made of acid-etched multilayered glass, created by Émile Gallé around 1900. Shaped like a pagoda, it rests on an elegant, matching spherical base and perfectly illustrates the influence of Japonism, so prominent in the work of the master glassmaker and the École de Nancy.

Its refined design combines stylized butterflies with Far Eastern-inspired geometric motifs. The superb shades of iridescent green, enhanced by purplish-brown tones, reveal the full richness of the multilayered glass and the finesse of the engraving work.

An iconic element of Gallé’s decorative repertoire, the butterfly symbolizes metamorphosis, nature, and ephemeral beauty, while the pagoda-like silhouette evokes traditional Asian architecture. This work elegantly illustrates the convergence of French Art Nouveau and Japanese aesthetics.

The lamp is signed “Gallé” on both the shade and the base, attesting to its authenticity.

A rare and sought-after piece, representative of the creative genius of Émile Gallé, a major figure of Art Nouveau and the École de Nancy.

Artist: Émile Gallé (1846–1904)
Period: Circa 1900
Origin: Nancy, France
Material: Acid-etched multilayered glass
Decoration: Stylized butterflies and Japanese-inspired geometric motifs
Signature: “Gallé” engraved on the lampshade and the base.