£2,750.00
An exceptionally decorative pair of French mid-20th-century gilt-metal palm tree wall lights, attributed to the celebrated Parisian decorating house Maison Jansen, circa 1960.
An exceptionally decorative pair of French mid-20th-century gilt-metal palm tree wall lights, attributed to the celebrated Parisian decorating house Maison Jansen, circa 1960.
Beautifully sculptural and wonderfully expressive, these striking wall sconces capture the glamorous, exotic spirit of Hollywood Regency design, combining finely modelled tropical foliage, richly textured palm tree trunks and elegantly sweeping twin candle arms.
Each wall light is surmounted by an exuberant canopy of individually formed gilt-metal palm leaves, arranged in a wonderfully naturalistic composition. The finely detailed foliage extends outwards in graceful, overlapping layers, creating a dramatic silhouette with considerable depth and movement.
The warm, aged gilt finish, intricate botanical detailing and distinctive architectural form make this an especially attractive pair of decorative wall lights, equally suited to traditional country house interiors and sophisticated contemporary spaces.
The principal feature of each wall light is its beautifully modelled palm tree, with an elegantly proportioned central trunk rising into a generous arrangement of sweeping tropical leaves.
Each leaf has been individually shaped and finely worked with deeply impressed veins and diagonal ribbing, capturing the natural texture and delicate structure of palm foliage.
The leaves are arranged at varying angles and heights, with some extending dramatically outwards while others curve gently downwards, creating a particularly attractive sense of movement.
This carefully considered arrangement produces a sculptural three-dimensional composition, allowing the wall lights to be appreciated from both the front and side.
The foliage retains an attractive aged gilt finish, with subtle variations in colour and patination emphasising the intricate metalwork and naturalistic modelling.
Particular attention has been given to the beautifully textured palm tree trunks.
Each slender trunk is constructed with overlapping rectangular metal sections, arranged to imitate the distinctive bark and leaf scars of a natural palm tree.
This wonderfully tactile surface provides an appealing contrast to the broad, finely ribbed leaves above.
At the lower section of each trunk, additional botanical ornament includes delicate scrolling stems, small leaves, stylised flowers and decorative buds.
These charming details introduce another layer of craftsmanship and reflect the imaginative botanical forms associated with sophisticated French decorative lighting of the mid-20th century.
Each wall light incorporates two beautifully curved candle arms, extending symmetrically from the lower section of the palm tree.
The slender gilt-metal arms sweep gracefully outwards, their flowing lines complemented by decorative leaf motifs and naturalistic botanical embellishments.
Each arm terminates in a circular, gently scalloped metal drip pan supporting an upright candle-style light fitting.
The combination of the structured twin candle arms and exuberant tropical foliage creates a wonderfully balanced composition, combining traditional French wall-light design with the theatrical decorative character of the Hollywood Regency movement.
With two candle lights per fitting, the pair provides four points of illumination.
Established in Paris in 1880, Maison Jansen became one of the most internationally recognised decorating houses of the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Celebrated for its sophisticated interiors and distinctive decorative furniture, the house combined classical French influences with exotic materials, sculptural metalwork and imaginative ornamental designs.
During the mid-20th century, tropical botanical motifs became particularly fashionable in luxury interiors, with palm trees, bamboo, exotic foliage and richly gilded decorative elements appearing in furniture, mirrors and lighting.
These expressive designs became closely associated with Hollywood Regency, a decorative movement characterised by glamour, theatrical elegance and the confident combination of classical and exotic influences.
The present wall lights beautifully embody this aesthetic through their exuberant palm foliage, naturalistically textured trunks, warm gilt-metal surfaces and elegantly balanced candle arms.
Their sculptural form allows them to function as decorative wall ornaments even when unlit, making them particularly desirable within carefully considered interiors.
Attributed to Maison Jansen, Paris, France, circa 1960.
The pair was acquired from an antiques dealer in Paris, where they were represented as Maison Jansen.
Although their design and decorative character are consistent with the tropical-inspired metalwork associated with the Parisian decorating house, the wall lights are unmarked and no documentary evidence confirming their manufacture by Maison Jansen accompanies them.
They are therefore offered with an attribution to Maison Jansen.
The wall lights retain a beautifully aged gilt-metal finish, displaying warm golden tones with areas of darker bronze-coloured patination.
Subtle variations across the surfaces of the foliage, trunks and decorative fittings lend the pair a particularly attractive depth and richness.
The gently aged finish enhances the finely worked botanical details, allowing the ribbed leaves and textured trunks to catch the light beautifully.
This natural patination contributes considerably to their decorative appeal and is particularly attractive when combined with antique furniture, gilt mirrors and richly textured interior finishes.
The pair is presented in attractive vintage condition, retaining the character and surface patination associated with its age.
There are minor surface marks, variations in the gilt finish and general signs of historic use, consistent with mid-20th-century decorative lighting.
Both wall lights have been fully rewired in our Shackleton Fox workshop using British electrical components and PAT inspected, preparing them for continued use.
Each wall light accommodates two candle-style bulbs, providing four lights across the pair.
Professional installation by a suitably qualified electrician is recommended.
Each wall light:
Height: 47 cm / 18.50 inches
Width: 41 cm / 16.14 inches
Depth: 23 cm / 9.06 inches
Weight: 1.5 kg / 3.31 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.
