Early 20th Century French Hand-Blown Opaline Glass Pendant Shade W/ Scalloped Edge

Details

Description

These early 20th century French opaline glass pendant shades are beautiful examples of hand-blown European lighting, produced during a period … Read more These early 20th century French opaline glass pendant shades are beautiful examples of hand-blown European lighting, produced during a period when glassmaking was still largely guided by skilled artisans rather than industrial automation. Each shade was individually formed by hand, giving rise to subtle variations in thickness, translucency, and contour—details that lend depth, warmth, and unmistakable character.

The softly domed profile is finished with a delicately ruffled edge, creating a scalloped silhouette that diffuses light in a gentle, atmospheric way. The opaline glass exhibits a creamy, warm translucence rather than a stark white, allowing the shade to glow softly when illuminated while remaining visually rich when unlit.

Shades of this type were widely used throughout France in the early 1900s, commonly found hanging above café tables, bakery counters, and in modest apartment interiors. Their enduring popularity stemmed from their ability to provide practical task lighting while maintaining a sense of elegance—an object equally at home in a bustling café or a quiet domestic space. Over a century later, this simple form remains just as compelling.

Each pendant is offered as the glass shade with its original metal gallery attachment hardware only. The pieces are not wired. Buyers may choose to pair them with a modern plug-in lighting kit or have them professionally hardwired by an electrician, allowing flexibility for a variety of installations.

A timeless and versatile lighting element that brings authentic European history, artisanal craftsmanship, and understated beauty into contemporary interiors. See less