L.325
My fifth and so far last ceramic lamp by Ignác Fischer (Budapest). A large, magnificent, precious lamp with an excellently preserved painting.
When I saw this lamp on eBay, I was very sure that it had to be a Zsolnay lamp. The entire vase painting with large flowers framed with golden decorative lines is typical of Zsolnay. Since I had been hunting for a Zsolnay lamp for a long time, I bought this lamp at an expensive auction against many other bidders.
When I took the lamp apart 3 days later, I was completely taken aback: it was not from Zsolnay, but from Ignác Fischer! The surprise was powerful: despite all the style analysis, also in comparison to our Zsolnay vases, I had been mistaken and I had bought my fifth Ignác Fischer lamp...
The mighty vase is painted with large-sized flowers; the golden border lines are very well preserved. The font lid also has the same painting; only the colour is somewhat darkened by kerosene/paraffin influence. Under the vase is stamped in blue and also blind: Fischer I. Budapest. There is also a paper label with the entry: Des.No.545 Fac.No.680. There is no painter's signature.
The shape of the vase seems quite modern. Together with the painting it could almost be a product of today. It was probably made in the last years of the company, shortly before 1895. The manufactory was taken over by Zsolnay in about 1895. Perhaps Zsolnay later continued this style of painting in its own products (this is only my assumption to explain the similarity in style of the painting with the later Zsolnay ceramics, and not a scientifically founded assertion).
In contrast to the vase, the cast brass base is very ornate and elaborately constructed with 4 screwed-on decorative feet.
I replaced the supplied Paris shade, which was totally inappropriate for this powerful lamp, with a large, playfully shaped tulip shade. I replaced the Kosmos chimney with my last marked shoulder chimney. My fifth I. Fischer lamp does not shy away from comparison with my other Fischer lamps in any way.
Lamp Data
Added by me:
Glass chimney and tulip shade.
Cleaning and repairs:
Not necessary.
Lamp body:
Base of ornamental cast brass, on 4 screwed, decorated feet of openwork cast brass, Ø 20.4 cm. Between the base and the vase a connector of profiled brass sheet.
Vase of painted ceramic, marked: Fischer I. Budapest, Ø 177 mm. Vase finished with a wide brass ring at the top. In the vase an additional container made of brass sheet, not removable.
Drop-in font of clear transparent glass, cemented under the painted ceramic lid, Ø 132 mm. Rim of ceramic lid with thin brass ring.
Burner:
15’’’ Sonnenbrenner of R. Ditmar, Vienna.
Wick knob marked: Sonnenbrenner R. Ditmar Wien. Black glass inlay.
Original flame disc for Sonnenbrenner.
Original round wick, Ø 24 mm; original transport wick.
Glass chimney:
15’’’ shoulder chimney (actually for 10’’’ Diamant/Mitrailleuse burners). Height 288 mm, Ø fitter 53 mm.
Marked: K. T. Temperaturfest - 10''' Diamant + eagle with shining lamp.
Shade and shade holder:
Tulip shade, colourless glass, frosted, obliquely embossed, upper rim scalloped.
Height 215 mm, Ø fitter 85 and bulge 184 mm.
85 mm globe holder for 14’’’/15’’’ burners; original part of the lamp.
Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 43.5 cm, total height with chimney 77.2 cm.
Total weight 5790 g.
