Chinoiserie Lamp Appraisal

Vintage Chinoiserie Style Table Lamp

This is a vintage table lamp showcasing a distinctive Chinoiserie style, likely dating from the mid-20th century, possibly the 1950s to 1970s. The body of the lamp is rectangular with slightly bowed sides, giving it a subtle barrel or curved silhouette. It appears to be constructed from wood or a similar composite material, finished with a decorative lacquer or painted surface. The primary color scheme involves rich reds, blacks, and golds. The main body features an intricate, repeating geometric pattern, possibly resembling a batik or brocade textile design, with interconnected polygons and circles in black and gold on a reddish-brown background. Each of the four visible sides (assuming the design is consistent) features a central, cartouche-shaped panel. This panel is off-white or cream-colored and illustrates a Chinoiserie scene, in this case, a pair of detailed birds, possibly hummingbirds or kingfishers, perched or flying among reeds or thin branches above a body of water. The scene is rendered in muted blues, greens, yellows, and oranges. The edges of the lamp body are trimmed with a gilded or gold-painted finish, indicating a focus on ornate detailing. The lamp stands on four ornate feet, visible on the bottom, which appear to be made of metal (possibly brass or a brass-plated alloy) and are cast in an animalistic or claw-foot design, also with a gilded finish. The top of the lamp features a standard brass-tone lamp socket and harp holder, characteristic of lamps from its estimated period. Visible condition issues include potential wear to the gilded edges, minor scuffs or scratches on the lacquered surface consistent with age and use, and a slight patina on the metal components. The electrical components would need to be inspected for safety and functionality. The overall craftsmanship suggests a mass-produced decorative item, but with a good level of detail for its style.