Condition Notes: Good antique condition commensurate with age and conversion. There are signs of wear to the gilding in various areas, as expected from a piece of this age, particularly on raised details and edges. A noticeable chip is present on the bottom tier of the base. The electrical wiring is old and appears to be frayed at the end, suggesting it needs to be rewired by a qualified electrician before use for safety. The lamp fitting itself appears consistent with a period conversion.
Brand: Royal Vienna
Antique: Yes
Size: Large
Style: Antique
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Material: Porcelain
Colour: Gold
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
This exquisite piece is a 19thcentury Royal Vienna twinhandled urn vase, masterfully converted into a lamp, showcasing the opulent artistry characteristic of the era. Adorned with delicate handpainted romantic scenes, rich cobalt blue and crimson red panels, and intricate gilded accents, this lamp is a testament to the luxurious aesthetic of its time. The central panel on the urn depicts a serene pastoral scene with classical figures, while the base features a smaller, equally charming vignette. Its detailed craftsmanship and historical elegance make it a captivating addition to any discerning collection or interior.
Product Details:
Brand: Royal Vienna (attributed, based on style and mark)
Type: Converted Urn Vase Lamp
Period: 19th Century
Material: Handpainted Porcelain with Gilt Accents
Colour: Cobalt Blue, Crimson Red, Cream, Multicoloured Romantic Scenes, Gold
Height: Approximately 17 inches (44 cm) to the top of the lamp fitting (as measured in photos) Features: Twinhandled urn design, handpainted classical figures, intricate gilding, converted to electric lamp.
Design Highlights:
The urn features a prominent handpainted medallion depicting a romantic classical scene with an angel and a reclining figure, framed by ornate gold scrolling.
The body of the urn is decorated with alternating panels of deep cobalt blue and crimson red, both richly embellished with intricate gold patterns.
Two elegant, pierced handles with gold detailing flank the central medallion.
The lamp stands on a tiered base, echoing the colour palette and decorative motifs of the urn, with a smaller handpainted scene on the front.
The base bears an "Austria" mark, indicating its country of origin.
Condition:
Good antique condition commensurate with age and conversion.
There are signs of wear to the gilding in various areas, as expected from a piece of this age, particularly on raised details and edges. A noticeable chip is present on the bottom tier of the base. The electrical wiring is old and appears to be frayed at the end, suggesting it needs to be rewired by a qualified electrician before use for safety. The lamp fitting itself appears consistent with a period conversion.
About Royal Vienna Porcelain:
The term "Royal Vienna" often refers to porcelain produced by the Imperial and Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna, which operated from 1718 to 1864. However, after its closure, numerous other Austrian and German porcelain factories, particularly during the late 19th century, produced pieces in the "Royal Vienna style," often marked with a beehive or shield mark, as seen on this lamp's base (though the specific mark on this item is "Austria"). These later pieces mimicked the elaborate classical and mythological themes, vibrant colours, and extensive gilding that made the original Royal Vienna porcelain so desirable. These 19thcentury interpretations are highly collectible in their own right, reflecting the enduring popularity of the neoclassical aesthetic and the exquisite craftsmanship of the period. They are celebrated for their artistic quality, intricate detail, and often romantic or mythological handpainted scenes, making them prized possessions for collectors of antique European porcelain and decorative arts.