Antique Monumental Hand Carved Alabaster Plafonnier in Cast Bronze Ring
A monumental carved alabaster plafonnier of the highest quality, the deep alabaster bowl suspended within a finely cast bronze ring. Acquired as part of a significant collection of approximately 200 pieces drawn directly from the stock of W. Sitch & Co., one of the most respected antique lighting dealers in British history. A fitting of real architectural presence, sized for spaces of scale.
The Alabaster
The bowl is superbly carved from Italian alabaster, the stone shot through with the soft grey and charcoal veining that marks the best material — no two pieces alike, and impossible to imitate. The form is worked with a band of carved beading above a lobed, petal-cut body, rising to a plain flared rim. Unlit, it reads as pale sculpted stone; lit from within, the alabaster comes alive, the veining glowing through in drifts of amber, cream and shadow while the carved lobes throw soft relief across the surface. This is the quality of alabaster work specified for the finest interiors of the period, and the carving here is exceptional throughout.
The Ring & Mounts
The bowl sits within a cast bronze ring of equally high quality, the rim worked with a gadrooned egg-and-dart moulding and carried on three scrolled mounts that hug the profile of the bowl and flow to its shape perfectly. The ring suspends on three decorative bronze link chains from a cast bronze ball boss and ceiling fixing. The bronze carries a rich, aged verdigris patina throughout — original and untouched — the cool green-brown of the metal setting off the warmth of the lit stone beautifully.
Attribution
The standard of the casting and carving points firmly to a leading maker. The ring, chain and bowl share characteristics documented in the catalogues of both Louis Dernier & Hamlyn Ltd and Metropolitan Vickers, either of which is consistent with a fitting of this quality. Offered on the strength of its evident quality rather than a single confirmed attribution.
Provenance — W. Sitch & Co.
W. Sitch & Co. were founded in 1776 and traded from their Soho premises until relatively recently, supplying antique and period lighting to the country house, heritage and film and television industries for over two centuries. This piece forms part of a significant acquisition of approximately 200 pieces drawn directly from the Sitch archive — one of the most substantial collections of curated antique lighting to come to market in recent years. Further pieces from the same acquisition will be listed as they are prepared and photographed.
Ideal For
- Entrance halls, stairwells and principal reception rooms of real scale
- Boutique hotel lobbies, private dining rooms and heritage hospitality spaces
- Schemes calling for a genuinely architectural fitting with natural material warmth
- Collectors and designers specifying period alabaster of exhibition quality
Technical Specification
Provenance: W. Sitch & Co. Archive, London
Material: Carved Italian alabaster bowl; cast bronze ring, scrolled mounts, chains and ceiling fixing
Origin: England (alabaster bowl of Italian stone)
Era: Early 20th century, circa 1910–1925
Overall Diameter: 600mm (23.6")
Bowl Diameter: 460mm (18.1")
Minimum Drop: 800mm (31.5")
Weight: Approx. 12kg
Bulb Holders: 3 × B22 bayonet, original array (LED compatible)
Scale Reference: Monumental — over 19" overall diameter
Condition: Excellent antique condition. Alabaster bowl free from structural damage, with natural veining and translucency intact. Bronze ring and mounts retain original verdigris patina consistent with age.
Stock reference: IG221813
Wiring
Professionally rewired and ready for installation. We supply worldwide and wire to local standards on request:
- UK — B22 or E27, wired to BS 7671
- Europe — E27 configuration
- USA & Canada — E26 using UL-listed components where applicable
- Australia & New Zealand — local standard configuration
Please advise destination country at point of order.
Shipping
Free UK mainland shipping. Worldwide shipping available — please enquire for a quote. All items are professionally packed and dispatched via DHL or specialist courier. All shipments are fully insured through Secursus.
