Pair of Late 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Lamps

Details

Description

These are a matched pair of hard-paste porcelain table lamps made from Meissen, Saxony (Germany) vases. They are genuine Meissen … Read more These are a matched pair of hard-paste porcelain table lamps made from Meissen, Saxony (Germany) vases. They are genuine Meissen porcelain, not a later printed imitation. The blue crossed swords mark is the definitive factory mark of Meissen. They no longer have a power source, so you'll need to have them corded.

• The crossed swords mark has been used since 1722, making it one of the oldest porcelain trademarks in the world.
• The mark is hand-painted in blue underglaze, which is characteristic of authentic Meissen, and painted directly onto the porcelain before glazing.

Key features that confirm Meissen
• Underglaze cobalt blue panels with heavy fire-gilding
• Hand-painted floral cartouches (not transfers)
• Crisp relief and symmetry typical of Meissen quality
• Slight painter variation between the two lamps (a good sign)
The decoration style is often described as:
• Neorococo / Revival style
• Sometimes called “Blumenmalerei mit Kobaltblau und Gold” (floral painting with cobalt blue and gold)

About the lamps themselves
• The porcelain bodies are original Meissen
• The brass bases and lamp fittings are later additions (very common)
• Conversion to lamps was typically done late 19th–mid 20th century, often in France, Germany, or England
• The wiring frame you show indicates they were once fitted with silk or parchment shades

Approximate dating (porcelain) based on:
• Sword style
• Color palette and gilding density
• Shape and scale
Likely production: circa 1860–1890

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