French Art Deco Moulded and Frosted Skyscraper Glass Wall Lights, 1930, Set of 2

Pair of Rare Exquisite French Art Deco Moulded & Frosted “Skyscraper” Glass Wall Appliqués / Light Sconces in the Manner of Marius-Ernest Sabino, c.1930 A striking pair of French Art Deco moulded and frosted glass wall light shades, circa 1930. Each shade is conceived as a miniature architectural façade: a tall central panel flanked by stepped, tiered “wings” which create a strong, three-dimensional skyscraper profile. They are crafted from heavy, moulded (pressed) glass, giving real substance and crisp definition to the relief work. The surface has a frosted, almost satin finish, achieved by acid-etching or sandblasting. This treatment gently softens the planes of the design, diffusing the light emitted from within and throwing a smooth, even glow across the wall, while the raised motifs remain slightly clearer. When lit, those clearer high points act almost like facets, catching and refracting the light to emphasise the sculptural modelling of the glass. from the front, the design reads as a series of overlapping rectilinear planes, rising and falling in shallow terraces like a ziggurat. from the side, the staggered blocks and cantilevered upper section give a crisp, layered silhouette that projects elegantly from the wall. Within this framework, bold radiating sunburst rays slice diagonally across the surface, intersected by zig-zag and fan motifs in high relief. The shades retain their four original brass support fixings – simple period bent brass wall brackets – which hold each piece slightly off the wall so they read as small illuminated architectural panels rather than conventional sconces. The powerful geometry, stepped “skyscraper” outline and dynamic rays are very much in the manner of Marius-Ernest Sabino’s moulded-glass lighting, and closely comparable in idiom to designs by Établissements Jean Gauthier (EJG / Ezan) and Verreries des Hanots. Although unsigned, the quality, weight and design vocabulary are entirely consistent with French Art Deco glass of the interwar years. About Sabino Marius-Ernest Sabino (1878–1961) was one of the leading French Art Deco glassmakers. Sicilian-born and Paris-trained, he studied at the École des Arts Décoratifs and the Beaux-Arts before founding his own glassworks in Paris, specialising in thick press-moulded and often opalescent glass for lighting, vases and figural pieces. Sabino’s output is characterised by rich relief work, strong geometric silhouettes and dramatic rays or radiating motifs, especially in wall lights, plafonniers and chandeliers. Many designs use heavy moulded glass with satin or opalescent finishes that come alive when lit, making his pieces highly sought after by collectors today. While this pair is not signed and cannot be attributed to his workshop, the stepped skyscraper form, radiating sunbursts and use of heavy moulded glass with a satin finish place them firmly in the same design language – hence the “in the manner of Sabino”. Provenance from the collection of the late Philip Clarkson (1949–2025), graphic designer, photographer and noted collector of 20th-century design and popular culture. Previously sold through a notable auction house near Chester and curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Historical context By the late 1920s and early 1930s, Art Deco had become the dominant modern style in architecture, interiors and decorative arts, with Paris as one of its key centres. The 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris helped launch the new look internationally: streamlined forms, bold geometry, stylised rays and zig-zags, often combined with luxurious materials and dramatic lighting. Advances in pressed- and moulded-glass technology during the interwar years allowed French factories to produce thick, sculptural shades at scale. These new techniques aligned perfectly with the “machine-age” aesthetic of Deco and made high-impact glass lighting more affordable, so pieces in this idiom found their way into cinemas, department stores, shopfronts and modern flats across Europe. Wall lights like this pair, with their radiating sunbursts and stepped “skyscraper” profiles, echoed the silhouettes of contemporary high-rise architecture and cinema façades. They were designed not just to illuminate, but to act as architectural features in their own right – casting a soft, diffused glow while their raised, clearer details sparkle and catch the eye. Today, authentic interwar moulded-glass shades of this quality are increasingly prized as surviving fragments of that glamorous early-electric age. Why you’ll love them Serious Deco impact: The strong skyscraper silhouette and bold sunburst relief deliver instant 1930s cinema-lobby glamour on any wall. Beautifully lit atmosphere: The satin-frosted glass throws a soft, flattering glow, while the clearer raised motifs sparkle subtly when lit. Architectural presence: More like illuminated glass panels than ordinary sconces – they read as sculptural objects even when switched off. Authentic interwar quality: Heavy, well-made moulded glass and original brass brackets give reassuring weight and character you don’t get with modern reproductions. Versatile placement: Perfect flanking a mirror, doorway or fireplace, or as statement lighting in a hallway, stairwell or home cinema room. Details Date: c.1930 Origin: France, Continental Europe Materials: Heavy moulded/pressed clear glass with frosted “satin” finish; brass support fixings Dimensions (each): Height: approx. 26 cm (c. 10¼ in) Width: approx. 26.3 cm (c. 10⅜ in) Depth: just under 10 cm (c. 4 in) Weight (each): approx. 2.2 kg