Vintage Italian Mirrored Obelisk Table Lamps, Giltwood, 1940s-50s - a Pair

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An absolutely captivating and highly collectible pair of vintage Italian mirrored obelisk table lamps, in the style of Grosfeld House … Read more An absolutely captivating and highly collectible pair of vintage Italian mirrored obelisk table lamps, in the style of Grosfeld House and Maison Jansen, circa 1940s-1950s.

Each lamp is an architectural jewel. The form is a tall, faceted, double-ended obelisk composed of six mirrored glass panels, beveled and joined by giltwood ribs, cinched at the center by a carved, braided giltwood ring. This prism reflects and refracts light spectacularly, creating infinite sparkle in the room even when unlit.

The base and crown are heavily carved wood in a sumptuous, time-worn finish, as captured perfectly in your macro photos: layers of burnished gold leaf over white gesso, with deep, authentic alligator craquelure, chippy paint, and intentional distressing that reveals hints of ochre and terracotta bole beneath. The pedestal foot is a fluted, melon-carved plinth on a square base, with carved acanthus and floral capitals - pure Louis XVI grandeur, aged to perfection.

Each lamp retains its original French Empire parchment shades in a warm honey / taupe tone. The shades are true couture: trimmed at top and bottom with a wide burnished gold paper band and navy velvet piping, and the top edge is hand-decorated with a delicate stenciled gilt scrolling foliate frieze - as seen in your close-up. When illuminated, they cast a soft, golden, ambient glow that lights up the mirrored body below.

Topped with a classic brass ball finial and harp. Wired with vintage gold cloth cord and in perfect working condition. Sold as a perfectly matched pair - increasingly rare to find with both original shades. See less