Antique French Biscuit Ceramic Shell-Form Wall Sconces, 1890, Set of 2

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A striking pair of 19th century wall sconces from France, modeled as scallop shells in the Rococo taste and finely … Read more A striking pair of 19th century wall sconces from France, modeled as scallop shells in the Rococo taste and finely worked in unglazed biscuit ceramic. Each piece rises from a scalloped shell crest, deeply ribbed, into a richly carved base of interlacing acanthus scrollwork — the volutes modeled with remarkable depth and precision, a level of sculptural detail rarely seen in ceramic of this type and more typically associated with carved giltwood or plaster examples of the period. The clay body shows natural dark speckling from iron-oxide inclusions, consistent with traditional european earthenware, and a warm ochre tone beneath a fine, aged craquelure that has developed evenly across the surface over time. Each sconce retains its original hand-forged iron hanging loop, set into the reverse with oxidation staining consistent with age. One sconce has a small (2cm), stable hairline surface crack; otherwise both pieces are in good antique condition, with no losses to the scrollwork. The choice of biscuit — fired but left unglazed — preserves the crispness of the carved detail that a glaze would otherwise soften, a technique historically reserved for finer ornamental work. Unmarked, as is typical of this production.
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less