Vintage Chinese Celadon-Ground Famille Rose Celestial Figure Porcelain Table Lamp

Details

Description

A graceful vintage Chinese porcelain table lamp combining a pale celadon-glazed ground, delicate famille rose–style enamels and an auspicious celestial … Read more A graceful vintage Chinese porcelain table lamp combining a pale celadon-glazed ground, delicate famille rose–style enamels and an auspicious celestial scene in a tall, elegantly flared vase form.

The porcelain body is hand-painted with richly dressed female figures surrounded by multicolored ruyi-form clouds, scattered blossoms and a radiant red sun. Above them, a bearded immortal travels through the clouds upon a crane. The crane and heavenly imagery place the composition within the broad Chinese decorative tradition of immortality, longevity and auspicious good wishes.

Fine black outlining gives clarity to the figures’ faces, coiffures and layered garments, while softly colored enamels in turquoise, coral, lavender, blue and green remain luminous against the cool celadon ground. The restrained palette is unusually versatile, offering recognizable Chinoiserie character without the visual density of conventional rose-medallion decoration.

The tall body rises from a gently flared foot through a rounded central swell to a trumpet-shaped mouth. This sculptural silhouette gives the lamp an architectural presence even before the figural decoration is considered. A narrow reddish-brown line accents the porcelain edges and visually connects the body with its dark carved hardwood stand.

The fitted stand is carved as an open, scrolling foliate platform with a deep reddish-brown finish. A brass-toned cap follows the broad flare of the porcelain mouth and supports a single rotary socket and removable harp. The included shade and finial complete the presentation, allowing the lamp to be placed immediately in a bedroom, library, living room or collected entry.

Its height and slender footprint make it especially effective on a sideboard, writing desk, console, bedside chest or library table. The celadon ground coordinates beautifully with mahogany, burl wood, lacquerware, blue-and-white porcelain, aged brass, botanical textiles and layered traditional interiors.

The exact identities of the figures have not been independently established. The airborne bearded figure and crane are consistent with imagery associated with Shoulao and longevity, but the scene is described conservatively as an auspicious celestial or immortality subject rather than assigned a definitive narrative.

The lamp was acquired at auction under the description “Antique Asian Hand Painted Glazed Porcelain Table Lamp on Wood Base with Shade.” Examination of the visible porcelain, decoration and lamp hardware supports a vintage Chinese identification but does not establish a pre-1926 date. It is therefore offered responsibly as probably mid-20th century.

A beautifully scaled and highly decorative Chinoiserie lamp distinguished by its cool celadon ground, expressive figural painting, carved hardwood mounting and complete shade-and-finial presentation.

IDENTIFICATION AND DATING
The porcelain employs a famille rose–style polychrome enamel palette over a pale celadon-glazed ground. Its decoration includes female celestial figures, a crane-riding bearded immortal, ruyi clouds, blossoms and a red sun. These elements collectively support an auspicious longevity or immortality interpretation.

No maker’s label, factory name, country-of-origin stamp or exposed reign mark has been observed. The underside of the porcelain is concealed by the lamp mounting.

The circa-1940s–1960s date is an informed estimate based on the decorative handling, export-lamp format, carved hardwood stand, brass-toned fittings, socket, harp and surviving cord configuration. It should not be interpreted as a documented manufacture date.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
The porcelain vessel is mounted between a broad brass-toned cap and a carved hardwood stand. The underside is closed with a circular wooden plate, through which the brown electrical cord exits at a central metal fitting.

Because the porcelain base remains concealed, any original mark, drilled opening or restoration beneath the mounting cannot be examined.

CONDITION NOTES
Good vintage condition with a strong overall presentation. The porcelain body appears stable and intact in the visible areas, with no obvious cracks, major chips, breaks, structural losses or repairs observed in the supplied photographs.

Age-appropriate surface characteristics include scattered dark specks, small marks, faint scratches, localized discoloration, minor enamel wear and general glaze variation. The reddish-brown edge decoration displays slight unevenness and wear. These characteristics are most apparent upon close inspection and do not detract from the lamp’s overall decorative effect.

The carved hardwood stand remains securely assembled and shows scratches, rubbing, small finish losses, dust in recessed areas and natural surface variation. The brass-toned cap, socket, harp and related fittings retain patina, tarnish, scratches and finish wear.

The brown cord and molded two-prong plug appear intact. The lamp has been personally tested and is functioning properly at the time of listing. The age and originality of the individual electrical components have not been independently established.

Shade, harp and finial are included. Bulb is not included. As with all vintage lighting, professional inspection is recommended before extended use.

Please review all photographs closely, particularly the porcelain surface, painted decoration, rim, carved base, brass-toned fittings, socket, cord, plug, shade and finial.

PROVENANCE
Private collection; acquired at auction

AUCTION DOCUMENTATION
The acquisition listing described the piece as an “Antique Asian Hand Painted Glazed Porcelain Table Lamp on Wood Base with Shade,” approximately 30 inches high and 8 inches wide, in good overall condition.

Subsequent examination supports its identification as a vintage Chinese porcelain lamp, while the precise date and maker remain undocumented.

KEYWORDS
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