19th Century French Brass Bouillotte Table Lamp, 1880

Details

Description

French late 19th century brass bouillotte table lamp with adjustable tôle shade, c.1880
a particularly elegant and exceptionally well-made french … Read more French late 19th century brass bouillotte table lamp with adjustable tôle shade, c.1880
a particularly elegant and exceptionally well-made french bouillotte table lamp, dating from the late 19th century, circa 1880. This is a superior example of the classic parisian bouillotte design, distinguished by its finely cast brass construction, beautifully detailed triple swan-form candle arms, pierced gallery base, and its highly desirable fully adjustable mechanism allowing both the lamp and the original painted tôle shade to rise and fall independently—a feature rarely encountered and indicative of a higher-quality piece.

retaining its rich original character, the lamp has been professionally rewired to current uk standards and is ready for use.

approximate date
circa 1880

history
the bouillotte lamp takes its name from the fashionable french card game "bouillotte," which became enormously popular amongst the aristocracy during the late eighteenth century. Originally designed to illuminate gaming tables without dazzling the players, these lamps featured multiple candle branches beneath an adjustable metal shade, allowing the light to be directed precisely where required.

by the late nineteenth century, bouillotte lamps had evolved into highly decorative objects, admired as much for their elegant form as for their practical function. Fine examples such as this were produced for distinguished french interiors where quality of casting, balance and refined detailing were of paramount importance.

craftsmanship
this is a lamp that immediately demonstrates the quality of its manufacture.

the beautifully cast swan-form candle arms are finely modelled with crisp feathering and expressive heads, radiating from a central baluster stem. Beneath, the circular dished base is surrounded by an exquisitely pierced gallery decorated with scrolling foliage, creating depth and delicacy while showcasing the skills of the bronze founder.

perhaps the most impressive feature is the fully adjustable mechanism. Unlike many bouillotte lamps where only the shade moves, this example allows both the shade and the entire candle assembly to be independently raised or lowered. This sophisticated engineering is considerably less common and reflects the higher quality of manufacture found in superior french workshops during the period.

every component has been carefully proportioned, resulting in a lamp that feels balanced, refined and substantial throughout.

design & decorative appeal
there is a wonderful elegance to this piece.

the warm golden brass contrasts beautifully against the rich deep red painted tôle shade, delicately decorated with hand-painted gilt floral garlands around its circumference. The combination of polished brass, sculptural swans and rich colour creates a striking yet timeless appearance that sits comfortably within both traditional and contemporary interiors.

whether displayed on a desk, library table, console, sideboard or bedside cabinet, it offers an unmistakably french sophistication while providing a wonderfully warm, atmospheric light.

its adjustable height also allows the proportions to be altered depending on the setting, making it as practical as it is decorative.

provenance
french.

private collection.

dealer's comments
we handle a great many french bouillotte lamps, but every so often one stands out from the rest—and this is undoubtedly one of them.

the quality of the casting is exceptional, the elegant swan arms are beautifully executed, and the pierced gallery base is far finer than that found on most examples. What truly elevates this lamp, however, is its rare dual-adjustment mechanism, allowing both the lamp assembly and the original shade to rise and fall independently. This is a feature seldom encountered and one normally associated with better-quality nineteenth-century makers.

combined with its original painted shade, excellent proportions and professional rewiring, this is a bouillotte lamp we would be delighted to have in our own collection. It possesses the quality, originality and presence that serious collectors seek and is an increasingly difficult type of lighting to source in this condition.

condition
very good antique condition, displaying the expected signs of age and gentle use. The brass has developed a beautiful mellow patina, while the original red painted tôle shade retains its decorative gilt floral border with charming age-related wear that only enhances its authenticity and appeal.

professionally rewired to modern uk safety standards, pat inspected.

measurements
height: 61 cm / 24 inches

width: 33 cm / 13 inches

depth: 33 cm / 13 inches

weight: 2.8 kg / 6.2 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