Sweet lamp in the shape of a fish, it is meant to burn perfume (brûle de parfum) but these kind of lamps were also used as night light (veilleuse). On top of the head of the fish is a small dimple where the perfume oil belongs, when the lamp is warmed by the lamp, it will smell wonderful. These kinds of lights were very wanted in the 1920s.
The glass shade has a light green patina, the glass is pressed in the mould and is partly satin finished.
Robj Paris has made various models of these lights, both in glass and porcelain. This lamp is also mentioned in the catalogue of 1928 of Robj Paris, model no. 25, planche 7. See also the photos.
The cap is on the original black wooden base and the small fitting is fitted with a bayonet lock. The gold coloured wiring has been replaced once. The lamp works fine.
The lamp is signed in the glass under the tail with "Robj Paris" and on the lower edge of the glass with "Made in France".
Biography:
ROBJ Paris started in 1908 when Jean Born produced his own ceramics and porcelain under that name. After WW I he involved more artistic and decorative elements into his designs.
In 1922 he suddenly died by a car accident and his shareholder Lucien Willmetz took over the business. Under his leadership Robj became very successful. The pieces from that period are very stylish, elegant and original, always with a humoristic twist in the design. Almost all of them are decorative pieces, like boxes, vases, lamps and little figurines.
ROBJ pieces are produced by Sévres, Villeroy & Boch, Boulogny sur Seine, Limoges and others.
ROBJ existed till 1931.
Literature:
Vanna Brega - 'Le ceramiche Robj, 1921-1931', Leonardo Periodici, Italia, 1995.
P.152 with photo.
Condition:
Excellent
