L.263

A rare lamp with a large, sculptured dragon motif that clearly borrows from Far Eastern bronze vases. I cannot answer whether the brownish patinated vase is made of cast brass or actually of cast bronze. It could be also of cast zinc. The very decorative base is made of cast brass. The age of the lamp is difficult to estimate; it could date from the 1880-1890s. In any case, it was equipped with a Central Vulkan burner and with the matching chimney, so I knew I had to get this lamp....

When the lamp arrived, I found out that it was assembled from separate parts! So it is not an original lamp at all! However, the individual parts have been chosen with a great sense of style and soldered together with excellent craftsmanship! It is probably unique and was put together by a tasteful art connoisseur.

The vase with the large dragon running all around is the centre of attraction of the lamp. In China, the dragon symbolises good luck. The martial, fear-inspiring dragon on the vase is actually a lucky charm! The dragon is very sculptured, almost three-dimensional. Many thin decorative lines have been subsequently engraved by hand. The vase is not a simple piece of metal cast into shape. The base is also very elaborately worked; it stands on four feet and is decorated with dragon motifs.

The wick of the burner is not original from W&W, but copied from the original: a matching tubular wick has been dissolved into the individual threads at the bottom. However, the burning performance is completely comparable to the original wick. The chimney is probably new.

Of course, a glass globe with golden dragon motifs would go very well with this lamp. However, they are prohibitively expensive (if they ever turn up). I was able to get hold of a Baccarat ball shade, which is not gold decorated, but has dragon motifs that are congenially similar to the dragon on the vase!

Lamp Data

Added by me:
Ball shade and globe holder.

Cleaning and repairs:
Not necessary.

Lamp body:
Base of elaborate, multi-pierced cast brass with stylised dragon motifs, round, on 4 feet, Ø 185 mm.
Vase of cast metal with a long, sculptured dragon motif and hand-cut decorative lines. Vase Ø 185 mm. Between vase and base a turned brass disc as connector.
The font is made of sheet zinc. Font lid made of ornamental cast brass. All font parts soldered together. Lid Ø 120 mm.

Burner:
16’’’ Central Vulkan burner of Wild & Wessel, Berlin.
Wick knob marked: W&W Central Vulkan.
Wick tube marked: 16 W.&W. Central D.R. Patent 18574.
Original flame disc of Central Vulkan, but without brand.
Imitation wick, adapted to the burner.

Glass chimney:
16’’’ Central Vulkan chimney (pinch/ball type). Height 295 mm, Ø fitter 60 mm.
New production without brand.

Shade and shade holder:
Ball shade by Baccarat, colourless glass, frosted, deep-etched dragon motifs.
Height 175 mm, Ø fitter 102 and bulge 191 mm.
100 mm globe holder for 20’’’ burners, adjusted to the burner.

Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 29.0 cm, total height with chimney 63.0 cm.
Total weight 4460 g.