19th-Century French Three-Arm Bouillotte Table Lamp
£595.00
Description
A beautifully cast and impressively weighty 19th-century French Bouillotte table lamp, executed in gilt bronze and retaining a superb presence. This elegant example features three candle-form arms, each mounted on finely chased foliate drip pans and rising from a central turned column. The arms are enriched with scrolling acanthus flourishes, emphasising the sculptural quality typical of better French decorative metalwork of the period.
Mainland UK Delivery Included
International Shipping
Delivery Leadtime
International delivery is estimated at 5-7 working days.
Full details will be confirmed during the ordering process.
19th-Century French Three-Arm Bouillotte Table Lamp
A beautifully cast and impressively weighty 19th-century French Bouillotte table lamp, executed in gilt bronze and retaining a superb presence. This elegant example features three candle-form arms, each mounted on finely chased foliate drip pans and rising from a central turned column. The arms are enriched with scrolling acanthus flourishes, emphasising the sculptural quality typical of better French decorative metalwork of the period.
The lamp is crowned with a striking pinecone finial, crisply modelled with layered scales and set above a spread of stylised leaves. Below sits the traditional adjustable tole shade, now handsomely repainted in a deep, lacquered green and finished with gilded edging. The interior of the shade retains the classic reflective brass tone, enhancing the warm ambient glow when illuminated.
The base is a broad, dish-shaped plinth in well-preserved gilt bronze, lending the lamp excellent stability and a pleasing visual weight. The whole piece is solid, heavy, and finely detailed, a testament to the high standards of late 19th-century French craftsmanship. The candle tubes show gentle age-appropriate wear, adding authenticity without detracting from the lamp’s decorative appeal.
Bouillotte lamps originated in France in the late 18th century and were designed for the popular card game Bouillotte, a predecessor of modern poker. The adjustable metal shade served a practical purpose: it could be raised or lowered to temper the candlelight as the candles burned down, reducing glare on the gaming table. Early examples were functional yet elegant, crafted primarily in bronze and tole.
By the 19th century, Bouillotte lamps had evolved into decorative staples of refined Parisian interiors—favoured for their sculptural quality, classical motifs, and balanced proportions. Today, they are appreciated not only as historical lighting but as timeless objets d’art with unmistakable French character.
Condition Report
The lamp is presented in good antique condition, consistent with its 19th-century origins. The gilt bronze shows an attractive, even patination with only light surface wear appropriate to age. The tole shade has been repainted in a deep green, with the gilt edging refreshed to complement the original finish.
The lamp has been sympathetically cleaned, retaining the character and detail of the original casting while ensuring a bright, well-preserved appearance. It has been fully rewired, fitted with modern electrics suitable for UK use, and has undergone a full PAT inspection for safety compliance.
Minor age-related marks to the candle sleeves and small expected handling wear to the metalwork are noted, though none detract from its decorative impact. The lamp remains solid, heavy, stable and structurally sound.
Measurement
Height:    63 cm  /   25 inches
Width:     31 cm  /   12 inches
Depth:     31 cm  /   12 inches
Weight:    2.6 k.g  /  6 lbs
Cleaning, Polishing & Restoration
All our collections have been through our workshop and where possible, we always try to maintain the original finish preserving the patina and colour, some items are sympathetically restored and this is done by our own skilled craftsmen using only traditional methods
We complete a full assessment, re-wire and PAT inspection on all lighting. The full assessment can include general upkeep and updating – Fitting new lamp holders, deep cleaning, minor repairs and replacement of fragile metal pins are all part of our service. Rewiring includes a standard rewire to conform with UK electrical regulations to an adaptation or conversion
