French Cut Crystal & Ormolu Lamp
Viridian Eclection
The Lamp
A French cut crystal and ormolu lamp, the shade a brilliant cut crystal globe, deeply faceted with starburst and diamond motifs and bound at the equator with an ornate gilt bronze band. A gilded acorn finial caps it, and the globe throws light in shimmering reflections.
The stem carries a classical gilt bronze figure, draped in flowing robes, supporting the lamp in an allegorical pose.
Below the figure a faceted crystal accent and foliate arms lead into a circular gilt base with a white marble ring inset. The base terminates in four scrolling ormolu feet with acanthus detailing.
History & Provenance
French lighting of this type was produced from the late 1800s into the early twentieth century, with revivals and high quality exports continuing into the middle of the twentieth century.
Parisian artisans and workshops specialized in combining finely cut crystal with gilt bronze mounts, and sold such pieces through luxury shops for boudoirs, parlors and salons. They were made to be functional and decorative at the same time, a hallmark of French craftsmanship.
The form is Rococo Revival and French Neoclassical, blending Louis XV exuberance in the scrolls, the foliage and the allegorical figure with Louis XVI refinement in the symmetry, the crystal and the acorn finial. The attribution rests on that idiom and on the construction rather than on a signature, and no maker's mark is recorded.
Product Details
| Era | The type was produced from the late 1800s into the early twentieth century, with revivals and high quality exports into the mid twentieth century |
| Origin | France |
| Maker | Unmarked. Attribution rests on idiom and construction |
| Form | Table lamp with brilliant cut crystal globe shade, gilt bronze figural stem, circular gilt base on four scrolling feet |
| Style | Rococo Revival and French Neoclassical, Louis XV exuberance with Louis XVI refinement |
| Materials | Cut crystal, gilt bronze, ormolu mounts, white marble ring inset |
| Dimensions | To be confirmed |
| Condition | To be confirmed |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
Lit, the faceted globe scatters light across a wall and a ceiling rather than pooling it, which makes this a lamp for atmosphere as much as for reading.
It belongs on a bedside table, a vanity, a console in an entry hall or a mantel, where the gilt bronze can catch a warm bulb and the marble ring sits against wood or stone.
The vocabulary is fully French and fully period, which is why designers still use pieces like this in Hollywood Regency rooms built on that tradition. It is a small object with a great deal of ornament, and one is usually enough in a room.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Visit the Eclection on Tuesdays, 10 am to 4 pm.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
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