Pair of ormolu mounted Chinese cloisonné enamel lamps

The lamps feature ovoid cloisonné enamel bodies, which are set on pierced ormolu (gilt bronze) bases. Each base stands on four feet which take the form of mythical beasts. The lamps’ bodies are beautifully decorated with deep blue, pink, yellow, red, turquoise and white flowers with green leaves, including chrysanthemums, peonies, camellia and hibiscus. The flowers are accompanied by multi-coloured butterflies, and the designs are offset against a light blue ground. The lamps’ shoulders are encircled by black bands featuring colourful flowering vines. White, navy and red ruyi heads decorate the vases’ necks. The lamps are topped by ormolu covers with pierced ruyi band edges. Since the lights were once oil lamps, they feature pierced collars and wick-raiser knobs. These are fitted with electric lights, composed of tall stems which terminate in bulb sockets.