Maiden and Snail Bronze Lamp with Nautilus Shell Shade
You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item
When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.
- Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.
The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.
It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture. - Mother-Of-Pearl - Mother-of-pearl, technical name "nacre", is the inner layer of a sea shell. The iridescent colours and strength of this material were widely used in the nineteenth century as an inlay in jewellery, furniture, (especially papier mache furniture) and musical instruments.
In the early 1900s it was used to make pearl buttons. Mother-of-pearl is a soft material that is easily cut or engraved.
Nowadays it is a by-product of the oyster, freshwater pearl mussel and abalone industries.
This item has been included into following indexes:
Visually similar items
An Art Nouveau brooch, featuring a maiden in profile with natural pearl detail
A pair of Victorian bronze putti, circa 1880s. The seated putti on socle bases enjoying the fruits of the vine. Height 16 cm
Fine antique Japanese carved ivory okimono of a basket seller or maker, signature to base, approx 15 cm high
A pair of Professor Eugenio Pattarino (Italian 1885-1971) impressive ceramic blackamoor candelabra, hand painted and gilded ceramic, the Venetian glass branches with gilded inclusions, including finial 120 cm high. Provenance: The collection of a Curator