A pair of green glass chandeliers for the Indian market, Bohemia, 20th century

comprised of two tiers of lights, the upper corona with five cups on tubular facet-cut stems, the lower wider tier with twenty cups staggered at two levels, all with gilt detail in the Mughal style, the flower-form drip-pans with clear and green glass faceted drops, with swags or garlands comprised of faceted green and clear glass balls, the central vertical stem with baluster-form mouldings decorated with gold scrolls on white enamel ground

These spectacular chandeliers are in very good conserved condition with very minor chips to glass and very minor wear to gilding. There are a few drops missing from the drip pans (six drops missing from each chandelier), which are hardly noticeable. It is possible that originally they had a lower tier of arms with finials to bottom. One chandelier lacking upper section - which is not evident in the catalogue image - and there are some repaired breaks two arms. Gallery inspection recommended.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This magnificent pair of chandeliers are evocative of the taste for grandeur and opulence amongst the princely families of India in the late 19th/early 20th century.  Similar chandeliers of extravagant size and form with decorative details in the "Mughal style" were commissioned from European glass manufacturers for palaces throughout the princely states of India in the twilight years of the British Raj.