Le Dauphin - Desk lamp - Stoneware, Brass - Sphinx lamp
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Selected by Michel Karis
Art historian with extensive experience working at various auction houses in antiques.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Vintage Sphinx table lamp by Le Dauphin, France, circa 1970s, made of stoneware with a brass stem and green patinated finish, 42 cm wide, 50 cm high, 22 cm deep, weighing 2 kg, with a single fitting and a damaged, cracked sphinx and base, and including the original shade.
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Description from the seller
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and theatrical, perfectly in line with the era’s fascination for ancient motifs, Hollywood Regency interiors and grand historical references.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.
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.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Style subtype
Hollywood Regency
Title additional information
Sphinx lamp
Number of objects
1
Material
Brass, Stoneware
Manufacturer/brand
Le Dauphin
Country of origin
France
Style
Vintage
Condition
Poor - heavily used with major cracks, damages or major parts missing
In working order
Yes
Height
50 cm
Width
42 cm
Depth
22 cm
Weight
2 kg
Colour
Green
Number Of Fittings
1
Estimated period
1970-1980
