Maison Charles, “burst Grenade” Lamp, 20th Century

Lamp with a gilded and silver-plated bronze base, adorned with a finely chiseled, partially open pomegranate. It is topped with its original truncated cone-shaped metal shade, crafted in one piece. The stem ends with a pine cone.

Signed “CHARLES MADE IN FRANCE” at the cable outlet.

Founded in 1908 following Ernest Charles’s acquisition of Maison Ullmann—a company specializing in artistic bronze work—Maison Charles initially focused on reproducing antique light fixtures. In 1959, the company took a new direction under the leadership of the founder’s grandsons, Jacques and Jean, who embraced a more modern aesthetic and created the iconic organically inspired lamps (pineapple, coral, corn cob, etc.). The 1960s saw the launch of the Inox collection and its famous “Orgue” lamps, featuring a sleek, geometric design. Later, under the direction of Jean’s wife, floral-inspired sculptural lamps were created, including the Orchidée model, which earned her a Lampe d’Or de la Création award at the Paris International Lighting Fair in 1981. Next came lighting fixtures with architectural and graphic lines. Still in operation today, Maison Charles continues to create new exclusive collections and reinterpret its iconic models.

Some wear on the base and shade.
Electrical system in working order.
Good overall condition.
Dated to the 1970s.

Dimensions:
H: 71 cm
D: 34.5 cm (lampshade)
Base: 10 x 10 cm