Victorian French Celadon Glazed Ceramic Oil Lamp, 1890

Details

Description

French late 19th century brass bouillotte table lamp with adjustable tôle shade, c.1880
a beautifully proportioned late victorian french celadon … Read more French late 19th century brass bouillotte table lamp with adjustable tôle shade, c.1880
a beautifully proportioned late victorian french celadon glazed ceramic oil lamp, dating from circa 1890–1910 and later professionally converted for electric use. Combining the understated elegance of french decorative ceramics with polished brass fittings and an ebonised wooden plinth, this refined lamp offers a timeless balance of historic craftsmanship and modern practicality.

originally produced as an oil lamp, the ceramic font is elegantly modelled with a gently waisted baluster form, enhanced by softly moulded bands and finished in a beautifully even celadon glaze. The delicate pale green tones and subtle lustre of the glaze create a calm, sophisticated aesthetic that has remained highly desirable for generations. Inspired by the celebrated celadon wares of the far east, french ceramic manufacturers embraced these soft green glazes during the late nineteenth century, producing decorative objects admired for their restrained elegance and refined craftsmanship.

designed to support a brass burner and glass chimney, the lamp would originally have illuminated french interiors with oil light. As electricity became the preferred method of domestic lighting during the early twentieth century, many quality oil lamps were sympathetically converted, allowing them to continue their original purpose whilst preserving their decorative character. This example has been thoughtfully adapted, retaining the graceful proportions of the original design while offering the convenience and safety expected for modern living.

the polished brass fittings provide a warm contrast to the cool celadon glaze, whilst the ebonised wooden plinth gives the lamp a refined architectural presence. Its elegant simplicity allows it to complement a wide variety of interiors, from georgian townhouses and country homes to contemporary spaces where antique lighting introduces warmth, character and individuality.

the lamp has been fully rewired using quality british electrical components and pat inspected to current uk standards, ensuring it is ready for immediate use.

whether displayed on a bedside table, console, library desk or sideboard, this beautiful lamp offers both practical illumination and timeless decorative appeal.

please note: the lampshade shown is for styling purposes only and is not included in the sale.

the lamp is photographed with our small empire lampshade – natural with rosemary trim | handmade in the uk, handmade in the united kingdom exclusively for shackleton fox. This lampshade is available to purchase separately and has been carefully selected to complement the proportions and elegant colour palette of the lamp.

history
celadon is one of the world's most celebrated ceramic glazes, first perfected in china over a thousand years ago and admired for its delicate green tones, soft translucency and remarkable depth. During the nineteenth century, french ceramic manufacturers embraced celadon-inspired glazes, producing elegant decorative wares that reflected both eastern influences and the refined tastes of the victorian and belle époque periods.

decorative oil lamps became fashionable furnishings throughout france during the late nineteenth century, combining practical illumination with sophisticated ceramic design. Beautifully glazed ceramic fonts were mounted with brass burners and glass chimneys, providing an elegant source of light within both townhouses and country residences. As electricity replaced oil lighting during the early twentieth century, many well-crafted examples were sympathetically converted, allowing these decorative lamps to remain both functional and appreciated for generations to come.

craftsmanship
the ceramic body has been expertly formed and finished with a beautifully even celadon glaze displaying subtle tonal variation, soft depth and a lustrous surface. The elegant baluster form reflects the refined simplicity often associated with late nineteenth-century french decorative ceramics, allowing the quality of the glaze and proportions to become the focal point of the design.

the lamp has been sympathetically mounted with polished brass fittings and an ebonised wooden plinth, creating an elegant balance between ceramic, timber and metal. It has been professionally rewired using quality british electrical components, ensuring safe everyday use whilst respecting the character of the original oil lamp.

provenance
from a private collection.

originally manufactured in france during the late victorian period as a decorative ceramic oil lamp, this elegant example has since been professionally converted for electric use. Carefully selected by shackleton fox for its refined proportions, beautiful celadon glaze and timeless decorative appeal.

dealer's comments
we are continually drawn to antique lighting that achieves elegance through simplicity, and this beautiful french celadon oil lamp is a wonderful example. The soft celadon glaze possesses a remarkable depth that changes subtly as the light falls across its surface, whilst the clean architectural form and contrasting ebonised plinth create a timeless aesthetic. Thoughtfully adapted for modern living, it retains all the charm and craftsmanship of the original oil lamp while offering the practicality expected for today's interiors.

condition report
presented in excellent antique condition, commensurate with age and use.

the celadon glazed ceramic body displays beautifully with an even glossy finish, attractive depth of colour and only light age-related wear. There are no obvious signs of damage or restoration visible, and the glaze remains bright and well preserved. Minor manufacturing characteristics and small surface marks are consistent with late victorian ceramics and contribute to the lamp's authentic character.

the polished brass fittings remain in excellent order with only light surface wear, whilst the ebonised wooden plinth displays minor signs of careful use consistent with age.

the lamp has been professionally rewired using quality british electrical components and pat inspected to current uk standards, ensuring it is ready for immediate use.

overall, this is a beautifully preserved french antique oil lamp that has been sympathetically converted for modern living whilst retaining the elegance, craftsmanship and character of the original design.

measurements
height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches

width: 13 cm / 5.1 inches

depth: 13 cm / 5.1 inches

weight: 1.8 kg / 4 lbs this piece is designed in the style of the selected designer and/or manufacturer,
uk plug (up to 250v).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less