Red Lacquered and Gilded Wheat Sheaf Wall Sconce, French Work in the Style of Coco Chanel, Circa 1970

This striking wall sconce presents a naturalistic composition of wheat sheaves rendered in red lacquered and gilded metal, the bold contrast between the vivid crimson lacquer and the luminous warmth of the gold creating an effect of exceptional decorative vibrancy. Each ear of grain is sculpted with care, capturing the organic texture and gentle curve of the harvest, while the overall arrangement achieves a harmonious balance between naturalism and decorative stylisation. Designed to be mounted on a wall, this sconce casts both warm light and a bold visual statement.

The wheat sheaf motif is inseparable from the decorative world of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (1883–1971), whose apartment at 31 rue Cambon in Paris was filled with gilded wheat sheaves — objects she regarded as talismans of prosperity and good fortune. The addition of red lacquer, with its associations of chinoiserie and the boldness of Far Eastern decorative tradition, reflects the eclectic cultural sophistication that defined Chanel's taste. This motif, popularised through her legendary apartment and wide circle of artistic collaborators, became a recurring element in French decorative arts of the 1960s and 1970s.

This sconce would make a bold and beautiful accent in a variety of settings — flanking a mirror or artwork, adorning a bedroom wall, or adding a theatrical flourish to a hallway. Its red and gold palette pairs well with dark lacquered furniture, velvet upholstery, and the warm tones of parquet flooring. A singular and highly characterful piece for the collector drawn to the glamorous world of French decorative arts.