Details
Description
Pair of Chinese Mirror Black Baluster Vase Lamps with Gilt Prunus Decoration, Rewired
A refined pair of Chinese porcelain baluster-form …
Read more
Pair of Chinese Mirror Black Baluster Vase Lamps with Gilt Prunus Decoration, Rewired
A refined pair of Chinese porcelain baluster-form vases, now mounted as table lamps, dating to the early-to-mid 20th century and exemplifying the enduring aesthetic appeal of Qing-inspired decorative arts for the export market. Each vase is finished in a rich “mirror black” glaze—a deep, lustrous black developed in the Kangxi period (1662–1722) and prized for its resemblance to lacquer, offering a reflective ground for overglaze decoration.
Executed in finely rendered gilt, the surface decoration features flowering prunus (mei hua) branches—an iconic motif in Chinese art symbolizing perseverance, renewal, and purity. The five-petaled blossoms and angular branches are delineated in gold and further embellished with engraved details to simulate texture and dimensionality. This technique of incised gilding over a black-glazed ground is characteristic of export porcelains intended to appeal to Western tastes while retaining distinctly Chinese symbolic language.
The vases have been mounted as lamps with carved ebonized wood bases and gilt-painted wooden caps that echo the profile of traditional bronze lamp hardware. Modern electrical fittings with gold cloth cords have been added, and the lamps have been fully rewired for contemporary use.
Measurements:
– Height to top of socket: 25.5 inches
– Height to top of vase: 20 inches
– Height of porcelain body: 18 inches
– Diameter: 7 inches
– Base diameter: 7 inches
Condition: Professionally rewired. Gilt decoration and glazed surfaces exhibit minor wear consistent with age and use. No chips, cracks, or structural losses noted.
This pair exemplifies the syncretic elegance of 20th-century chinoiserie objects—fusing traditional forms and symbols with materials and adaptations suited for Western interiors.
See less
- Dimensions
- 7ʺW × 7ʺD × 25.5ʺL
- Styles
- Chinese
- Lamp Shade
- Not Included
- Period
- Early 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- China
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Porcelain
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Design Modified, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Black
- Power Sources
- Up to 120V (US Standard)
- Corded
- Type A
- Condition Notes
Good Rewired. Wear consistent with age and use.
The vendor has confirmed this piece is in working order.
Good Rewired. Wear consistent with age and use.
The vendor has confirmed this piece is in working order. less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
Related Collections
- Green Glass Table Lamps
- Kalmar Lighting Table Lamps
- Vivai del Sud Table Lamps
- Zafferano Table Lamps
- Stig Lindberg Table Lamps
- Bill Cain Table Lamps
- Medium-Density Fibreboard Table Lamps
- M.G. Wheeler Table Lamps
- Lamps by Hilliard Table Lamps
- Hilliard Lamps Table Lamps
- Heintz Art Metal Shop Table Lamps
- Jamie Merida Table Lamps
- Timo Sarpaneva Table Lamps
- Enrique Garcel Table Lamps
- Redwood Table Lamps
- Polished Gold Finish Table Lamps
- English Country Home Table Lamps
- Louis Comfort Tiffany Table Lamps
- Etruscan Revival Table Lamps
- Murano Glass Table Lamps
- Frederick Cooper Table Lamps
- Rembrandt Lamp Company Table Lamps
- Underwriters Laboratories Table Lamps
- Milk Glass Table Lamps
- Ceramic Table Lamps