Details
Description
Pair of English Ormolu Lamps Depicting Tipu Sultan in Anglo-Indian Orientalist Style, Circa 1860s
A dramatic and finely cast pair …
Read more
Pair of English Ormolu Lamps Depicting Tipu Sultan in Anglo-Indian Orientalist Style, Circa 1860s
A dramatic and finely cast pair of mid-19th-century English ormolu figural lamps, depicting an idealized version of Tipu Sultan, the storied 18th-century ruler of Mysore, renowned for his resistance against British colonial rule. Executed in richly gilded bronze with intricate detail and now French-wired for electricity, these lamps exemplify the fascination with Eastern royalty that permeated Victorian decorative arts.
Each figure is shown in high relief, dressed in a turbaned headdress and flowing, ornamented robes adorned with floral and textile-like motifs. In his right hand, the figure raises a crescent-topped ceremonial torch, symbolizing authority and spiritual power. In his left hand, he firmly grasps the hilt of a curved scimitar, the blade draped across his robe in a subtle nod to martial prowess and princely sovereignty.
The visual cues—such as the crescent, sword, and Indo-Islamic attire—strongly reference Tipu Sultan as filtered through the Victorian Orientalist imagination, where figures of Eastern nobility were mythologized and reinterpreted for elite Western décor. Each lamp stands on a polished white marble plinth, creating a sharp contrast to the warm gold of the ormolu.
The floral-lobed socket forms resemble stylized lotus petals, extending the theme of exoticism upward into the lighting element. These are rare survivals of Anglo-Indian taste at its most theatrical, likely repurposed from decorative garnitures or candlesticks into table lamps.
Details:
• Origin: England, circa 1860
• Style: Anglo-Indian/Victorian Orientalist
• Material: Gilt bronze (ormolu) with white marble bases
• Wiring: Professionally French wired
• Dimensions (each):
• Base: 3.5” D × 5” W
• Height to socket: 13”
• Figure height: 10”
Symbolism:
• Torch: Power, enlightenment, imperial identity
• Sword: Martial authority and resistance—a key reference to Tipu Sultan’s historical role
• Crescent: A widely recognized symbol in Islamic and Ottoman iconography
See less
- Dimensions
- 3.5ʺW × 5ʺD × 13ʺL
- Styles
- Anglo-Indian
- Lamp Shade
- Not Included
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Bronze
- Marble
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Design Modified, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Gold
- Power Sources
- Up to 120V (US Standard)
- Corded
- Type A
- Condition Notes
Good Rewired. Wear consistent with age and use.
The vendor has confirmed this piece is in working order.
Good Rewired. Wear consistent with age and use.
The vendor has confirmed this piece is in working order. less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Related Collections
- Ralph Lauren Home Table Lamps
- Jean Royère Table Lamps
- Marge Carson Table Lamps
- Green Glass Table Lamps
- Hermès Table Lamps
- Pewter Finish Table Lamps
- Embossed Leather Table Lamps
- Lava Table Lamps
- Bone China Table Lamps
- Vivai del Sud Table Lamps
- Etruscan Revival Table Lamps
- Borghese Table Lamps
- Worcester Porcelain Table Lamps
- Kalmar Lighting Table Lamps
- Deruta Table Lamps
- Hollywood at Home Table Lamps
- Greta Von Nessen Table Lamps
- Lyngby Porcelain Table Lamps
- Arzbeg Porcelain Table Lamps
- Fratelli Fanciullacci Table Lamps
- Josef Hoffmann Table Lamps
- Nymphenburg Porcelain Table Lamps
- Dr. Wall Worcester Porcelain Table Lamps
- Lamps by Hilliard Table Lamps
- Hilliard Lamps Table Lamps