Milk glass Lamp shade with decoration

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone has come across this type of decoration before and what it might be called? It is raised and almost looks like it was applied like decorative icing. It seems to be intact. Also wondering if it would be safe to try and clean it up a little (looks kind of dusty in the nooks and crannies). The shade is 6" tall and 8" across the base. Any ideas on maker? As always, thanks for taking a look!

 

Hi Wenna,
I have seen this decoration before although the name has skipped my brain this morning. I have successfully cleaned these before. I use Foaming Bubbles a bathroom cleaner. Spray it on, let it sit for several minutes and rinse it off. If the dust and dirt is really caked on, spray it again and let it set for a few minutes longer, then rinse.
greg

 

I would never have thought of that! Do you know what the material is? I was afraid of it dissolving if it got wet.

 

applied metal sometimes called ormolu.

 

Thank you George! I've heard of ormolu before. Would this have been hand applied in a 'liquid' form or is it formed ahead of time and then applied to the item? I did some more digging and this looks like Falkenstein (1940s -1960s) may have been the maker. I also found reference that called the decoration a 'bronze clay/sludge material'.

 

This is not true ormolu since it is not metal. There does seem to be some gilding applied.

 

To me it looks like the metal is a separate item applied to the surface of the glass.

 

I've seen plenty of lamps with similar applied ceramic. Because of it's pastry-like appearance, I always think of it as moriage - though I will expect others to disagree.

 

Wenna, I agree that this lamp shade looks like the work of Falkenstein. You probably have seen the following query about a Falkenstein lamp with decoration similar to this shade. In case not here it is. Look at the pic on the left of the lamp's decorated base and read the 2nd comment.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/74647-accurate-casting-company-lamps

--- Susan

 

Thanks LadyB, I did see that article. There must be a lamp base out there somewhere missing it's shade!