THE VASE POSSIBLY DESIGNED BY EUGENE CORNU AND EXECUTED BY G. VIOT & CIE., PARIS, CIRCA 1860, THE FITMENT LATER AND POSSIBLY BY EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO., EARLY 20TH CENTURY

At the height of its popularity during the second half of the 19th century, French 'Japonisme' was championed by such artists as Emile Reiber (d. 1893) and Edouard Lièvre (d. 1886) and executed by premier Parisian bronziers Escalier de Cristal, Barbedienne, Christofle and Maison Marnyhac. However, the combination of stylized Japanese elements overlaid on Algerian onyx is reminiscent of the meubles et objets de luxe designed by the sculptor Eugène Cornu (d. 1875), who owned marble quarries in North Africa, and executed by the bronzier G. Viot et Cie.

At this lamp's center is an iridescently-patinated peacock intended to resemble Japanese metalworks known as mokume. Similar designs incorporating this central peacock mount are repeated throughout Cornu's oeuvre. Of particular note are two onyx guéridons which were sold Christie's, London, 23 September 2010, lots 75 and 76.