Zhang Guo Lao and the Bridge crossing (Chinoiserie Figure Lamp)
Decorative Art; Bronze Sculpture converted into a Table Lamp • Unidentified Asian workshop (possibly Japanese for the Western export market)
Style & Movement
Chinoiserie / Orientalist Export Decorative Art
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze with dark brown patina, wooden base; lost-wax casting technique with hand-chasing
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th Century (Meiji period Japanese or late Qing Chinese style export)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24-28 inches in height (including shade); 3D sculptural format on a lobed wood base
Subject Description
Features a central figure, likely the Immortal Zhang Guo Lao, riding a horse (or mule) across a rocky bridge. Below the bridge is another figure, possibly an attendant or a second Immortal, amidst rocky terrain. The scene depicts a narrative from Taoist mythology or folklore.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the bronze retains a rich patina, though the conversion to a lamp and the aged lampshade show signs of wear.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely a grand tour or early 20th-century estate piece; typical of high-end interior decoration from the 1920s-1950s when Asian bronzes were frequently electrified.
Art Historical Significance
A fine example of the early 20th-century trend of repurposing antique or near-antique Asian bronzes for Western functional use. It reflects the cross-cultural exchange and the Western fascination with Eastern narrative motifs.
Notable Features
Intricate casting of the bridge railings and the dynamic pose of the horse; the base is seated on a double-tiered wooden plinth which is characteristic of luxury export wares.
Condition Issues
Surface dust and light oxidation in recessed areas; the lampshade is discolored and slightly warped; the electrical wiring appears dated and may not meet current safety standards.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional rewiring with silk-wrapped cord; gentle cleaning of bronze with a soft brush; replacement of the shade with a high-quality silk Pagoda-style shade to match the aesthetic.