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ID #SA1227012
FOR SALE
£2,250
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Pair of 18thc Sphinx Lamp Conversions.
For sale by Martin Murray Antiques
for sale €2,633     $2,858
£2,250
Martin Murray Antiques

Martin Murray Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2024
Browse dealers 44 items
  • About Us
    Specialist in early furniture and works of art
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Id #SA1227012
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Pair of 18thc Sphinx Lamp Conversions.

18th century
Description

A magnificent pair of late 18th century sphinx in original painted and gilt surface, carved wood, superb detailing and form. The pieces have been put on later wooden bases and have been converted to lamps using quality modern fittings, cloth covered wire and switches added. They are pat tested and ready for use.

There are old worm holes and some losses to surface and woodwork. the worm is long dead but they have been treated for good measure.

These lamps have an elegant sense of antiquity.

The black silk shades shown are available at an addition of £180

English late 18th century modern light fittings

Height 52 cm ( 20 1/2”)

Date of Manufacture

Martin Murray Antiques has dated these Antique Carved Sphinx Table Lamps to the 18th Century.

Independent Date Check ID 09589084
Dealer's Item Date18th Century
Sellingantiques Date18th Century
Sellingantiques agingItem 200-250 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 18TH CENTURY:
White gesso ground showing through worn gilding: traditional layered preparation.
Hand-carved tool facets visible across the wing feathers and hair.
Aged, inactive woodworm flight holes across the carved timber.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1227012
Dealers Notes

For further details of any item or for a reliable shipping quote please get in touch. Shipping on items that can be posted is included in the UK

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Description
A magnificent pair of late 18th century sphinx in original painted and gilt surface, carved wood, superb detailing and form.
“
The pieces have been put on later wooden bases and have been converted to lamps using quality modern fittings, cloth covered wire and switches added.
Martin Murray Antiques

They are pat tested and ready for use.

fig 1. A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades.
fig 1. Pair of 18thc Sphinx Lamp Conversions.

There are old worm holes and some losses to surface and woodwork. the worm is long dead but they have been treated for good measure.

These lamps have an elegant sense of antiquity.

The black silk shades shown are available at an addition of £180

English late 18th century modern light fittings

Height 52 cm ( 20 1/2”)

Date of Manufacture

Martin Murray Antiques has dated these Antique Carved Sphinx Table Lamps to the 18th Century.

Independent Date Report ID 09589084
Dealer's Item Date18th Century
Sellingantiques dating18th Century
Sellingantiques agingItem 200-250 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 18th Century:
White gesso ground showing through worn gilding: traditional layered preparation.
Hand-carved tool facets visible across the wing feathers and hair.
Aged, inactive woodworm flight holes across the carved timber.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1227012
Martin Murray Antiques
Martin Murray Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2024

Specialist in early furniture and works of art

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Martin Murray Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades.
1 / 11
Archive I A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades.

Pair of 18thc Sphinx Lamp Conversions.

Archive II A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View II
Archive III A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View III
Archive IV A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View IV
Archive V A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View V
Archive VI A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View VI
Archive VII A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View IX
Archive X A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View X
Archive XI A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades. View XI
Enlarged Archival View
Martin Murray Antiques

Martin Murray Antiques
Telephone 07970 625359
Location
Near Eye
Suffolk
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mmant
Verified Since Dec 2024
Items For Sale 44
Items Sold 93
Martin Murray Antiques
Martin Murray Antiques
Verified Since Dec 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: Near Eye, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/mmant
Verified
Dec 2024
For Sale
44
Sold
93
A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades.
Pair of 18thc sphinx lamp conversions.
Ref: SA1227012
A pair of 18th-century ebonised and parcel-gilt carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinths and converted into table lamps with black shades.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
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Detail View 10
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTable Lamps
  • Period18th century
  • StyleNeoclassical
  • MaterialCarved Wood, Parcel Gilt, Brass, Fabric
  • ColourBlack and Gold
  • MotifsCarved winged sphinxes, Parcel-gilt detailing, Rectangular plinth bases, Black drum shades

This pair of late 18th century Neoclassical table lamps consists of carved wooden sphinx sculptures mounted on rectangular plinth bases. The figures display an original painted black and parcel-gilt surface with detailed wings, claw feet, and coiffed hair, showing old worm holes, surface losses, and treated woodwork. Modern electrical fittings include a slender brass stem rising from the back, cloth covered wire, switches, and cylindrical black fabric drum shades. Each lamp stands 52 cm in height. These pieces find practical placement on a large sideboard top, console table, or grand desk in a living room, hallway, or study. They provide directional illumination while introducing a distinct classical motif and dark sculptural presence to a room interior.

FAQs

Sphinx motifs gained prominent decorative popularity during the 18th century as part of the Neoclassical movement, influenced by European Grand Tour discoveries and early Egyptian taste. Artisans frequently integrated winged sphinxes into carved furniture, torcheres, and ornaments to symbolise classical grandeur.

Original period figures were hand-carved from hardwoods or softwoods such as pine and lime wood, then finished with gesso, black paint, and water-gilded leaf. Modern conversions incorporate metal lamp stems, electrical fittings, and fabric shades to adapt the sculptures into functional table lamps.

Authentic period carvings exhibit fine hand-chiselled details, natural wood shrinkage along the grain, and historic wear showing underlying gesso or bole beneath gilded areas. Look for discreet wiring routes or plug points that indicate an antique sculpture was later converted for electrical lighting.

Positioning a symmetrical pair on a dark wood sideboard, marble-topped console table, or wide mantelpiece creates immediate architectural balance. Complementing them with tailored black or neutral shades helps ground the metallic gilding and dark ebonised tones within modern colour schemes.

Dust surfaces regularly with a dry, soft microfibre cloth or fine bristle brush, paying careful attention to carved feathers and recessed areas. Avoid liquid polishes, water, or chemical solvents, as moisture can loosen historic gold leaf and degrade antique painted finishes.
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