Description: FRENCH 'JAPONISME' GILT BRONZE TORCHÈRE LAMP, ATTRIBUTED TO ÉDOUARD LIÈVRE (1828-1886)LATE 19TH CENTURYwith a frosted-glass globe shade decorated with gilded dragons, raised above an ovoid reservoir with pierced floral frame, slender stem and domed lambrequin platform, above the knopped stem with lion mask mounts and loop handles, on three splayed legs terminating in ruyi sceptre feet depicting scholars, united by a pierced base with a bird, the oil fitment stamped BREVETE S.G.D.G./ J.S./ PARIS. 168cm high overall, Provenance Bonhams 2014 sale This 'Japonisme' torchère appears to be after a design by Edouard Lièvre based on its stylistic similarity to other bronze works of art that feature similar pierced foliage, mythological beasts and scrolling mounts. The pierced foliate decoration to the lower section of the oil lamp is reminiscent of the layered decoration found on the Persian Vase made by Barbedienne after a design by Edouard Lièvre and exhibited in the Paris 1878 Universal Exhibition. The use of the crossed or weaved banding decoration (used on this oil lamp stand three times) is typical of Lièvre's work and can also be found to the top rim of the table for his famous 'Aquarium Japonisant'. (D. Alcouffe, Connaissance des Arts, Edouard Lièvre, Paris, 2004, no. 228, p 31). Other bold mounts similar to the ones used on the foot of this lamp can be compared to the ones used on the 'Armoire Japonisante' signed by Edouard Lièvre and today in a private collection. (D. Alcouffe, Connaissance des Arts, Edouard Lièvre, Paris, 2004, no. 228, pp. 10 and 11). The use of mythological beasts or dragons is also typical of Edouard Lièvre's creations.