£595.00
A wonderfully decorative Mid-Century Italian Florentine gilt tole ceiling light, dating to circa 1960, formed from an exuberant arrangement of hand-shaped acanthus and foliate leaves and fitted with six concealed light fittings.
A wonderfully decorative Mid-Century Italian Florentine gilt tole ceiling light, dating to circa 1960, formed from an exuberant arrangement of hand-shaped acanthus and foliate leaves and fitted with six concealed light fittings.
Closely related in design to our other Florentine ceiling light, this example is distinguished by its gilt-finished backing and interior, creating an especially rich, warm appearance throughout the entire composition.
The fitting is constructed as a dense botanical arrangement, with layers of individually formed gilt metal leaves radiating outwards from a pierced central canopy. Large scrolling acanthus leaves are interspersed with finer serrated foliage, creating an intricate three-dimensional structure that changes considerably when viewed from different angles.
Six small bulbs are discreetly positioned amongst the foliage. Rather than interrupting the design, the bulbs sit deep within the arrangement so that illumination emerges through the leaves and reflects against the gilded interior surfaces.
Compact yet highly decorative, it is an excellent example of the glamorous Italian lighting associated with the Florentine and Hollywood Regency aesthetic of the mid-20th century.
The light is constructed from numerous individually cut and formed metal leaves arranged in overlapping layers.
Large acanthus leaves dominate the composition, their deeply modelled surfaces creating pronounced ridges and folds. These are surrounded by finer branches of pointed and serrated foliage, producing an almost explosive botanical silhouette.
The leaves have been carefully positioned at differing heights and angles, giving the fitting considerably greater depth than its compact dimensions might initially suggest.
At the centre is a pierced domed canopy decorated with further scrolling acanthus leaves and surmounted by a simple spherical gilt finial.
The open spaces within the canopy and between the individual leaves allow light to filter through the structure, emphasising the sculptural quality of the metalwork.
This example features a particularly attractive gilt-finished backing and interior, allowing the warm gold colour to continue through the entire fitting.
The gilded interior is especially effective when the light is illuminated. Light from the six bulbs is reflected back through the overlapping foliage, enhancing the depth of the design and producing a warm atmospheric glow.
The surface has developed attractive variation and patination over time, ranging from brighter gold highlights on the raised areas to deeper aged tones within the recessed sections.
This tonal variation accentuates the individual leaves and gives the fitting the character associated with original Florentine gilt metalwork.
The fitting contains six individual light points, arranged radially around the centre and concealed amongst the surrounding foliage.
Each bulb sits within a small cylindrical metal shade or reflector, allowing the light source to remain discreet while directing illumination into and through the gilded leaves.
This arrangement creates a particularly effective play of light and shadow, with the numerous projecting leaves casting decorative patterns around the fitting when illuminated.
Despite measuring only 21.5 cm across, the use of six light points gives the piece a much greater presence than a conventional single-bulb flush mount.
Florentine decorative metalwork has a long tradition of incorporating leaves, flowers, scrolls and gilded surfaces.
During the mid-20th century, Italian lighting manufacturers adapted these traditional decorative techniques to produce increasingly elaborate wall and ceiling lights. The resulting designs combined traditional Florentine craftsmanship with the glamorous interiors of the 1950s and 1960s.
Gilded acanthus foliage became particularly characteristic of this style, with lights often designed as dense arrangements of leaves concealing their electrical fittings.
The present example is strongly associated with this tradition and displays the theatrical decorative quality now widely described as Hollywood Regency.
Comparable designs are associated with Florentine manufacturers including Banci Firenze, although this example bears no visible maker's mark and is therefore catalogued without a specific maker attribution.
With a height of only 12 cm / 4.7 inches, the light sits close to the ceiling while retaining considerable three-dimensional depth.
Its low-profile construction makes it particularly suitable for interiors where ceiling height does not allow for a conventional chandelier or pendant.
The relatively compact 21.5 cm / 8.5 inch diameter makes it particularly effective in a dressing room, bedroom, hallway, entrance hall, landing, powder room or smaller reception space.
It could equally be used as part of a group of Florentine lights within a larger interior scheme.
Presented in good Mid-Century condition, with age-related wear and patination consistent with its circa 1960 date.
The gilt finish displays areas of rubbing, surface marking, oxidation and tonal variation throughout, particularly to the projecting edges of the foliage.
The numerous individually formed leaves display minor bends, small distortions and irregularities associated with age and the delicate nature of the construction.
These variations contribute to the attractive aged appearance of the fitting and emphasise the depth and detailing of the original metalwork.
Full rewire, replacement bulb holders and PAT inspected.
Please refer closely to the detailed photographs, which form an integral part of the condition report.
An exceptionally decorative piece of Italian Mid-Century lighting, combining the richness of traditional Florentine gilt metalwork with the glamour associated with Hollywood Regency interiors.
The densely layered foliage gives the fitting the appearance of a sculptural golden flower spreading across the ceiling, while the six concealed bulbs allow light to emerge from within the composition.
The gilt interior further enhances the effect, reflecting the illumination back through the foliage and producing a particularly warm golden glow.
Its compact proportions also make it an unusually versatile piece of decorative lighting, providing the visual impact of a much larger fitting without requiring significant ceiling height.
Height: 12 cm / 4.7 inches
Width: 21.5 cm / 8.5 inches
Depth: 21.5 cm / 8.5 inches
Weight: 0.7 kg / 1.5 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
