Neo-Classical Siren Flambeaux

Cast in luminous white opaline glass—often affectionately called blanc de poireau by local brocanteurs—this striking pair of late 19th-century flambeaux captures the romantic imagination of a bygone France. At the heart of each piece rests a beautifully molded siren, her form emerging gracefully from a scalloped shell motif. It is a quiet nod to the neo-classical obsession with mythology, transformed into functional art for the home.

We discovered these tucked away in Southwest France, their pristine, milky silhouettes immediately standing out in the shadowed corner of a local estate. There is a distinct tactile pleasure in the hand-finished molding of the glass, which catches the afternoon light with a soft, ethereal glow. They carry the weight and dignity of pieces that have anchored generations of mantels and dining tables.

Standing at a confident 24cm tall with sturdy, textured bases, they are perfectly proportioned for modern curation. Whether illuminating a long, linen-draped table for a late supper or bringing a sculptural, mythic elegance to a quiet library shelf, these flambeaux remain as captivating today as they were over a century ago.