Large cold-painted Viennese bronze mosque lamp by Chotka

Anton Chotka (1881-1955), a premier manufacturer of late 19th and early 20th century cold-painted bronze objects is the maker of this superb sculptural lamp.

This figurative lamp depicts a mosque with two figures. The building is designed with typical Islamic architectural features. A mihrab, the large pointed-arch niche provides a place to pray for the two figures. The mihrab’s direction is an indication of the direction of Mecca which the figures are facing towards when praying. Above it, the façade is made from perforated Islamic-style latticework adding to the realism of the piece. The lamp is topped by a minaret, surmounted by a crescent moon, an important symbol of Islam.

In front of the mihrab lies an Orientalist carpet on a tiled floor. The first figure is seen standing in front of the entrance, his head down and hands close towards his chest. The second one is sitting on the floor inside the mosque praying. Both their facial expressions suggest they are in a state of reverence and deep thought.

The cast bronze is coloured using the cold-painting technique developed in Vienna, whereby several layers of unfired dust paint are applied to the bronze surface of the pieces. Gold, red, yellow, brown and blue predominate in this design.

On the base the lamp is stamped ‘AUSTRIA’ as well as ‘CHOTKA’, indicating its maker and authenticity.

A lamp as well as a sculpture, Chotka’s piece portrays an interesting Orientalist scene, making it a superb addition to one’s collection of Orientalist or cold-painted bronzes.