Late 20th Century Maitland-Smith Four Light Bouillotte Chandelier, Large Hand Made Silk Shade, Unique Architectural Design, Burnished Bronze Finish

Details

Description

A very rare and exceptionally monumental Maitland-Smith four-light chandelier, standing an impressive 58 inches tall and dominated by an extraordinarily … Read more A very rare and exceptionally monumental Maitland-Smith four-light chandelier, standing an impressive 58 inches tall and dominated by an extraordinarily large, hand-made silk shade. Exceptionally well preserved single-owner provenance, having remained in one private collection since acquisition. The shade is an integral part of the architecture of this remarkable fixture—so substantial in scale that it defines the chandelier's overall silhouette and presence.

The chandelier is constructed of finely cast metal with a rich, uniform burnished bronze finish. Its elaborate ornament exemplifies the level of sculptural detail associated with Maitland-Smith's handcrafted work. Maitland-Smith describes its workrooms as artisan-based, employing “time-honored techniques developed before the machine age,” and specifically references traditional handcrafted methods in the making of lamps, mountings and shades.

The chandelier features two distinct canopies. The upper ceiling canopy is comparatively restrained and attaches directly to the ceiling. Approximately 6 inches below it is the much more elaborate decorative hanging canopy, measuring approximately 8 inches in diameter and 3 inches high. Richly ornamented with scrolling foliage and relief detail, the lower canopy is an important decorative element and creates an impressive transition from the ceiling to the chandelier.

Beneath the shade is an exceptionally graceful four-light bouillotte-style candle assembly, with four candle form arms terminating in substantial circular drip pans. The actual light bulbs are concealed beneath the expansive shade, allowing the candle forms and the elaborate ornament immediately beneath them to remain beautifully visible.

Beneath each of the four candle arms, elaborate scrolling ornament descends gracefully and terminates at the substantial 13" decorative pillar below, creating a dramatic transition from the candle assembly to the sculptural lower section. The scrollwork is deeply modeled and dimensional, giving the chandelier exceptional depth and visual interest when viewed from below.

Its substantial central form incorporates recessed and relief-molded detailing and continues into an elaborate sculptural termination with layered ornament and a large turned, bulbous element. Together, the pillar and scrollwork create a dramatic lower focal point that is rarely encountered in conventional chandelier design.

The chandelier is completed by the large 23" diameter hand-made silk shade, custom proportioned to the monumental scale of the fixture. Closely spaced vertical pleating creates a refined ribbed effect, giving the expansive shade both structure and visual rhythm. The softly luminous silk beautifully diffuses the light while complementing the rich burnished bronze finish of the cast-metal ornament.

This level of hand craftsmanship is consistent with Maitland-Smith's longstanding approach to lighting. The company describes its workrooms as artisan-based, employing “time-honored techniques developed before the machine age,” and specifically notes traditional handcrafted methods in the making of lamps, their mountings, and shades.

The shade is finished with carefully tailored decorative trim along the lower edge. Its extraordinary scale is essential to the design: rather than functioning simply as a covering for the lights, the shade is the dominant architectural element of the chandelier, defining its impressive silhouette and balancing the elaborate sculptural ornament beneath it. The result is an extraordinary combination of monumental scale, architectural form, fine craftsmanship and decorative sculpture.

At 58 inches tall, this chandelier has the presence to command a grand library, dining room, entrance hall, study, sitting room, living room, bedroom, or other substantial traditional interior. It is particularly impressive when viewed from below, where the candle forms, scrolling ornament, decorative pillar and sculptural lower terminal become fully apparent.

A very rare and highly distinctive Maitland-Smith fixture, ideal for the collector of exceptional vintage lighting, decorative arts and architectural interiors.

Dimensions
Overall height: 58"
Upper ceiling canopy: approximately 6¼" diameter
Lower decorative hanging canopy: approximately 8" diameter × 3" high
Rods 22"
Shade Height 13.5"
Central hanging section: approximately XXXX". ????
Four-light bouillette assembly: approximately 18" diameter
Bottom decorative pillar: approximately 13" high

Keywords
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