About the Piece
A charming handcrafted Moroccan Moorish hanging lantern, made in Marrakech and combining intricate pierced metalwork with frosted milky glass glass panel. The lantern has a beautifully architectural silhouette, measuring 17 inches high by 9 inches in diameter. Its faceted body is constructed from individually worked metal sections surrounding alternating decorative glass panels, while the upper and lower portions taper into elaborate pierced-metal crowns. The central body incorporates soft frosted or milky glass panels framed by repeating Moorish openwork motifs. A milky glass panel provides an unexpected jewel-like accent, its raised geometric pattern recalling traditional Moroccan and Islamic decorative vocabulary. The surrounding metalwork has been extensively hand-cut and pierced with arabesque, geometric and foliate patterns. Rather than functioning simply as a frame, the pierced metal becomes an integral part of the lighting effect. When illuminated, light filters softly through the frosted glass produces a richer, more saturated glow. At the same time, illumination escapes through the numerous hand-pierced openings in the metal, creating subtle patterns of light and shadow on nearby walls and ceilings. The lantern's elongated silhouette is particularly attractive. A pierced and scalloped upper crown rises toward the suspension chain, while the lower section narrows dramatically into an ornamental pointed finial. This combination gives the fixture the distinctive exotic architectural character associated with traditional Marrakech lanterns and Moorish lighting. Handmade Moroccan lighting has long been prized for the relationship between metalwork, milky glass and illumination. Individual variations in the pierced decoration, glass and metal surface are inherent to the artisanal nature of these fixtures and give each lantern its individual character. At only 9 inches in diameter, this is a relatively compact Moroccan pendant, making it particularly versatile. A single lantern could provide an atmospheric accent in an entry, powder room, bedroom or reading corner, while several examples hung together at varying heights could create a dramatic installation over a stairwell, dining table or covered interior passage. Multiple lanterns are available, making the design particularly suitable for designers and architects requiring a coordinated group. The lantern is supplied with approximately 10 feet of black electrical cord with switch and plug, accommodating one light bulb. Intended for indoor use only. Its combination of aged metal, soft milky glass makes it equally effective within a traditional Moroccan interior or as an artisanal counterpoint to contemporary Mediterranean, Spanish Revival, Bohemian and eclectic interiors. A distinctive example of Moroccan decorative lighting, bringing together hand-pierced metalwork, molded colored glass and the atmospheric quality for which Marrakech lanterns are celebrated. Dimensions: 17 in. H × 9 in. diameter Origin: Marrakech, Morocco Materials: Metal, frosted/milky glass Technique: Handcrafted, pierced and cut metalwork Electrical: One light; approximately 10-ft black cord with switch and plug Use: Indoor only Availability: Multiple available
