Antique French Brass Two-Light Bouillotte Lamp with Tôle Shade, 1850

Details

Description

Antique 19th century french brass 2-light bouillotte lamp with hand-painted tôle shade
an exceptionally charming and early 19th-century french brass … Read more Antique 19th century french brass 2-light bouillotte lamp with hand-painted tôle shade
an exceptionally charming and early 19th-century french brass bouillotte lamp, showcasing classic empire-period design and wonderful historic detailing. The lamp features a solid brass dished tôle-tray base with a traditional reeded and incised border, supporting two engine-turned candlestick column lights. Central to its classic silhouette is the adjustable, characteristic oval tôle (painted tin) shade in a deep green finish. The shade is beautifully adorned with a central hand-painted vignette of soft pink roses framed by delicate gilt flourishes. Complete with its original loop finial handle and an adjustable arrow-head key screw mechanism, this lamp is a testament to early 19th-century french desk lighting.

why we love it
authentic early detailing: from the textured patina of the hand-painted tôle shade to the stylised arrow adjustment key, every component feels wonderfully untouched and full of history.

atmospheric illumination: when illuminated, the golden interior lining of the metal shade casts a beautifully warm, concentrated downlight, perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere.

functional art: the clever, adjustable height mechanism was originally designed to shield the eyes from candlelight—today, it remains a brilliant, tactile conversation piece.

design & craftsmanship
origin: france

materials: solid brass, painted tôle (tin/sheet metal).

details: features an oval tôle shade with a subtly textured leather-like finish, featuring a hand-painted floral cartouche on both sides. The shade is adjusted along a central iron stem via a beautifully formed brass key with a stylised heart/arrow-tail end.

historical context
the bouillotte lamp emerged in france during the late 18th century and reached its peak popularity during the empire period. It was named after the highly popular french card game 'bouillotte'. Players gathered around circular tables, and these lamps were placed in the center; as the candles burned down over hours of play, the metal shade would be slid down the central rod to keep the bright light out of the cardplayers' eyes while brilliantly illuminating the table surface below.

why it works today
its low, wide profile and architectural symmetry make it an ideal choice for modern living. Bouillotte lamps are celebrated by interior designers for their versatility; because the light is directed downward rather than outward, it provides excellent task lighting without creating glare in a room.

perfect for
a classic writing desk, bureau, or library table.

a low sideboard or underneath a piece of artwork.

a deep window console or console table in an elegant entryway.

restoration & rewiring notes
this lamp has been sensitively restored to preserve its rich historical character. The original candle columns have been carefully converted to electricity without compromising the brass structure. It has been fully rewired using premium, period-correct twisted brown fabric three-core flex and fitted with discreet small edison screw (e14) candle lamp holders. Fully pat tested and ready for modern home use.

provenance
sourced from a private dealer in france.

condition
presented in very good antique condition, exhibiting a beautiful, authentic patina that only comes with significant age. The brass work retains its original warmth with minor surface pitting, tarnish, and historical surface wear inside the dished base tray, adding immense character. The original tôle shade has minor, light surface scuffs and small areas of paint loss to the rim, but the hand-painted floral vignette remains remarkably crisp, vibrant, and stable. The adjustable key mechanism turns smoothly and locks securely into place.

measurements
height: 54 cm / 21.3 inches

width: 31 cm / 12.2 inches

depth: 21 cm / 8.3 inches

weight: 2.2 kg / 4.9 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