Antique Hanging Vigil Lantern with Cherub
Antique Hanging Vigil Lantern with Cherub
Many small churches and private chapels scattered throughout the European countryside have been treasure troves of elaborate and bejeweled objects of worship, passed down from one generation to the next. Traditionally oil burning and placed before icons, the light of faith was never lost.
This antique pair of hanging vigil candle lanterns from Spain are in their original rust-brown finish. Beautiful open work design of stylized flowers with a sturdy platform for a glass cup, secured by scrolled sides. At some time, clear paste rhinestones were added. Typically a cross would hang from the lantern’s bottom loop.
Instead of a cross, we have joined vintage cherub ornaments from The Metropolitan Museum in New York City (mid to late 1980s), revived with a single chalk paint wash, allowing some original tones to come through. The cherubs wear bronze toned metal crowns with center rhinestone. To echo the subtle sparkle of old paste rhinestones and crown we have created a hand made swag of antique and collected beads, rhinestones, rosary bead chain and cross.
Original glass containers that held oil and wick are long gone. Oils are not as convenient as tea lights that come in endless colors and scents. Finding a glass insert cup that fits the platform and the overall aesthetic was a bit of a hunt but we have done that for you. You will receive two styles of glass: simple fluted and curved with a decorative rim. You can attach something of your choosing with the single antique chandelier link.
Overall, these lanterns are a kind of subtle old world beauty. They could find a place on your Christmas tree (battery candles please) and many places year round.
Some damage of small toe and finger.
As Discovered. Hand Finished with Embellishments . One of a Kind
SIZE - Hanging Link to Bottom of Cross 14/1/2”








