Late 19th Century Late Qing Dynasty Carved Amethyst & Quartz Vessel Lamp

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Base Dimensions: 6 1/2”W x 24”H x 4”D Lampshade: 16”W x 9”H x 10 1/4”D

This extraordinary Qing dynasty table … Read more Base Dimensions: 6 1/2”W x 24”H x 4”D Lampshade: 16”W x 9”H x 10 1/4”D

This extraordinary Qing dynasty table lamp features a 19th-century hand-carved amethyst and quartz vessel adorned with intricate high-relief carvings of a traditional dragon and flora, utilizing the mineral's natural deep violet and golden-amber inclusions. Sourced from a private collection in San Francisco, California, the antique stone body rests on its original custom hand-carved openwork gilt wooden base and is crowned by its original carved amethyst finial. The piece boasts an ingenious dual-zone illumination scheme; the upper cluster is controlled by dual pull chains featuring one remaining original hand-carved amethyst drop pull for ambient lighting, while a turn-switch at the back of the base activates an internal bulb to light the belly of the lamp from within, casting a translucent glow through the stone. For maintenance, the top quartz section lifts off seamlessly to expose the internal bulb. While the lamp did not come with its original shade, it has been paired with a new linen shade, and the entire piece has been professionally rewired with a premium braided cloth cord for modern safety while beautifully preserving its historical integrity. This late Qing dynasty artifact, later converted into a mid-20th-century table lamp, stands as a breathtaking sculptural statement for high-concept interiors.

Qing Dynasty

1644–1912 See less