Overview
A three-light 'Lily' style table lamp featuring an Art Nouveau revival mermaid and seal base cast in art bronze with a polished alabaster plinth.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A three-light 'Lily' style table lamp featuring an Art Nouveau revival mermaid and seal base cast in art bronze with a polished alabaster plinth.
Story
In 1979, the design world was in the midst of a massive 'Art Nouveau Revival,' a nostalgic movement that rejected the plastic minimalism of the 1960s in favor of the organic, flowing lines of the early 20th century.
Maker / Origin
Phoenix Art Bronze was a specialized American foundry active in the late 20th century that focused on high-quality decorative lighting and sculpture.
Condition & Value
The glass shades appear to be in excellent condition without visible chips. However, the cloth-covered cord shows significant fraying near the base, which is a fire hazard; the lamp must be rewired before use. The metal shows some light oxidation (verdigris) which is common for this age and often preferred by collectors.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375