Large Mid Century Chinese Modern Archaic Ritual Form James Mont-Style Table Lamp 1950's

Details

Description

A very large, molded plaster lamp with a Chinese design and antique bronze finish from the 1950's. It is straight … Read more A very large, molded plaster lamp with a Chinese design and antique bronze finish from the 1950's. It is straight out of the Chinese modern decor at the apartment of Marion Strong on “I Love Lucy” (be sure to watch that episode if you’ve never seen it!)

The lamp has a Chinese Ritual bronze form and is very much in the style that James Mont made famous in the 1950s and 1960s. The body features elongated foo dog handles, cartouches of birds. Geese and dragons, along with elaborate decorative patterns with geometric motifs and lappets.

The base was given a verdigris patina to resemble very old bronze; they did a fantastically realistic job! The wooden base has a dark finish and an old green felt on the base. The harp and fixture are old with discoloration, but the socket appears to have been replaced. It now accepts a 3-way bulb (although a standard bulb will work too). The cord and two-prong thermos plastic plug appears to be original (but in good condition).

MEASUREMENTS
36 in (91.4 cm) to top of finial
Base is 21 in (53.3 cm) tall x 8 in (20.3 cm) diameter Weighs 9 lbs 8.9 oz.

CONDITION

The lamps works and the cord is in good condition. There is a repair on the mouth lip. There are a few small glaze misses and minor chips on the body (see photos). A few areas along the base look like were touched up. Otherwise, there are cracks, or breaks. The green base felt shows age and wear. There is some wear on the wood base, the surface of the base, and spotting on the brass.

Although it’s made from plaster, it has a look like a real Chinese bronze. They did an amazing job. See less