Iznik Porcelain Vases Mounted as Lamps with French Ormolu, att. Theodore Deck

Description

An unusual Pair of Iznik or Islamic Style Porcelain Vases Mounted as Lamps with French Ormolu mounts attributed to Theodore Deck, Paris, circa 1880 The pair is formed as bulbous porcelain vases with compressed ovoid bodies, short tapering necks, and gently flared mouths, now mounted as table lamps. Each vase is set with gilt bronze ormolu collars at the neck and base, supporting elaborate stands. The porcelain surfaces are decorated with polychrome floral motifs arranged in symmetrical compositions, featuring scrolling foliage, stylized blossoms, and rosette medallions. The palette includes cobalt blue, turquoise, emerald green, iron red, and manganese tones, outlined with fine dark accents. A narrow geometric border encircles the upper neck. The ormolu bases are constructed with four scrolling legs terminating in paw feet, joined by hanging laurel swags and centered by a circular platform. Additional gilt bronze elements include side handles, cast with foliate detail, and fitted lamp hardware rising from the necks. The vases are attributed to Theodore Deck, whose workshop is known for producing Iznik inspired ceramics in France during the nineteenth century. The attribution is supported by the decorative vocabulary, color range, and painted execution consistent with documented examples associated with his production. The French ormolu mounts are of high quality, with crisply cast details and a consistent gilt surface. The lamps retain their original structural relationship between porcelain and metal elements, indicating careful integration during conversion. These lamps reflect the technical skill of combining painted ceramic bodies with substantial gilt bronze mounts. The porcelain surfaces show even glaze coverage with clean edges and clear coloration. The painted decoration remains well preserved, with no visible losses to the primary motifs. The ormolu displays a uniform surface with light wear consistent with age, without deformation or structural damage. Overall, the pair remains in fabulous condition, presenting as stable, complete, and visually cohesive examples suitable for immediate decorative use or collection. Comparable examples in a closely related Iznik-inspired palette and decorative vocabulary are illustrated in Théodore Deck: The Peter Marino Collection by Étienne Tornier (Phaidon Press, 2019). Overall Height: 36" Height without Electronic Mounts: 19.5"

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