The fine pair of nineteenth century French carved softwood gilded lions, each in the passant position with their right fore paw raised over painted scarlet armorial shaped crests showing a variant of the fleur-de-lys, probably having once been part of an architectural element, such as a fireplace surround, each on ebonised oval plinths bases, and now acting as table lamps.
Unknown.
Lions are probably the commonest heraldic animal, and they occur in many positions, of which passant and rampant are by far the common, and though we have not researched the armorials themselves, it is clear they are a variant on the fleur-de-lys and were once part of an important family estate.
A unique pair of imposing and majestic lamps.
The condition of the lamps is good with an established patina to the gilding and painted decoration, with the bases showing wear to the extremities, the lions being well carved and the heraldic devices still clear. The shades provided are a little tired but do the job perfectly well. This pair work well proportionally as lamps.
By appointment only.
