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$4,500
A striking vintage Moroccan Moorish lantern chandelier, handcrafted in Marrakech, Morocco, circa 1980. Monumental in presence yet remarkably refined in its detailing, this sculptural hanging light combines clear glass with intricately pierced and hand-worked metal in a warm aged bronze-tone finish. The elaborate silhouette and exceptional metalwork give the chandelier the architectural presence associated with traditional Moroccan palace and riad lighting. The fixture is constructed around a dramatic faceted lantern body framed by clear glass panels. Each section is defined by slender metalwork and surrounded by finely pierced decorative panels incorporating repeating Moorish geometric and arabesque-inspired motifs. Above the glass body, the chandelier rises into an elegant flared pierced-metal crown, while the lower section terminates in a beautifully shaped bulbous pierced-metal element and delicate finial. The combination creates an unusually graceful vertical profile from every angle. One of the most appealing qualities of this chandelier is the relationship between transparency and ornament. The clear glass keeps the substantial fixture visually light, allowing the interior four-light candelabra cluster to remain visible, while the pierced metal creates intricate patterns of light and shadow across surrounding walls and ceilings when illuminated. The aged bronze-colored surface adds warmth and depth without overpowering the delicacy of the openwork construction. Handcrafted by Moroccan artisans, the chandelier displays the subtle irregularities and individual character associated with traditional hand fabrication rather than modern machine production. Its sophisticated combination of geometric architecture, pierced metalwork and clear glass makes it equally successful in traditional Moorish surroundings or as a dramatic counterpoint within a contemporary interior. With a substantial 40-inch-high body and 18-inch diameter, this is an impressive architectural light fixture ideally suited to a high-ceilinged entry hall, stairwell, gallery, dining room, library, bedroom or dressing room. It would also make a particularly striking statement in a luxurious bathroom suspended above a freestanding bathtub, where the clear glass and pierced metalwork can be appreciated from multiple viewpoints. A related Moroccan light fixture supplied by Mosaik was used in a bathroom at Madonna's former Hollywood Hills residence, as illustrated in one of the listing photographs. This image is included as an installation reference demonstrating how this style of Moroccan lighting can function within a sophisticated residential interior; it should not be interpreted as provenance for this individual chandelier. The chandelier has been restored and professionally rewired for U.S. use with a cluster of four candelabra-base lights. The suspension chain can be adjusted according to the ceiling height and desired installation. An exceptional vintage Moroccan lighting piece combining decorative craftsmanship, architectural scale and the atmospheric quality of traditional Marrakech interiors.
