Description
This exquisite early 20th-century French six-light chandelier is made from carved veined red alabaster and bronze. The design features a classic acanthus leaf crown that transforms into a cage-like structure with a foliate apron and banded frame with six alabaster lights supported by cornucopia-shaped bronze cups. The details of this piece make it especially beautiful, down to the upper and lower pine cone finials.
Alabaster is a smooth fine-grained sedimentary gypsum rock and is generally white or delicately shaded and translucent, making red alabaster and more sought after. When lit, red alabaster looks like molted lava adding a sense of drama to the piece. Every Alabaster piece has a unique pattern of grain and veining. These natural variations come from varying levels of mineral deposits in the rock, like iron, making each piece one-of-a-kind. Alabaster has long been a popular medium for making decorative objects because it is soft and easy to work or carve. Its popularity dates back to ancient Egyptians, who gave alabaster its name after its use by the followers of the cat goddess Bast, also referred to as the “eye of the moon”. French Art Deco lighting designers favored alabaster as a material for both table lamps and ceiling pendants, creating designs like this that were bold and modern with small figural or decorative carvings.
This orange-hued and detailed piece would be a wonderful addition to any home looking to add a bit of warmth to their home.
Dimensions without ceiling cover and chain: H=33 in. W=32 in. D=32 in. 65 lbs.
