Maison Le Dauphin Egyptomania Sphinx Table Lamp, France, 1970s A wonderfully decorative 1970s table lamp by Maison Le Dauphin, France, marked Le Dauphin on the side of the travertine base. The lamp has a strong Egyptomania character, with a seated sphinx figure in a green-blue patinated finish (on stoneware), set on a rectangular travertine base with a brass lamp stem and original shade. The sphinx is one of the great hybrid creatures of ancient visual culture: a lion’s body combined with a human head, symbolising guardianship, mystery and power. In this 1970s interpretation, the form becomes more decorative and theatrical, perfectly in line with the era’s fascination for ancient motifs, Hollywood Regency interiors and grand historical references. The result is not archaeological accuracy, but something far more fun: ancient Egypt filtered through a 1970s living room. The stone or composite sphinx figure has been broken in several places and repaired several times. Normally this would be a tragedy; here it feels almost thematically appropriate. For this reason, the repairs have been left visible. The original shade is included. It shows signs of age and wear and is no longer perfectly tight or crisp, but it still suits the lamp very well and gives the piece its correct vintage character. The lamp is a charming accent piece for an eclectic interior.