£1,250.00
An exceptionally decorative and highly sculptural French pineapple table lamp, dating provisionally to the 1920s–1930s, combining beautifully carved wood, elaborate gilt-metal palm leaves and a wonderfully aged black and gold finish.
An exceptionally decorative and highly sculptural French pineapple table lamp, dating provisionally to the 1920s–1930s, combining beautifully carved wood, elaborate gilt-metal palm leaves and a wonderfully aged black and gold finish.
Displaying the theatrical elegance associated with early Hollywood Regency interiors, this striking lamp draws upon the tradition of French decorative arts, where exotic botanical forms, rich gilding and sculptural ornament were frequently incorporated into sophisticated interior schemes.
Standing an impressive 75 cm tall, excluding the lampshade, the lamp has considerable presence, with its beautifully carved pineapple body, dramatic arrangement of sweeping metal foliage and finely detailed architectural pedestal.
The pineapple itself is particularly well executed, with deeply carved overlapping scales arranged in carefully graduated rows around the body. Each scale is individually defined, with gently rounded surfaces and raised central points, creating a wonderfully tactile, three-dimensional appearance.
The carved wooden body retains a beautifully aged black and gilt finish, with areas of wear revealing warm golden and reddish-brown tones beneath the surface. This naturally developed patination gives the lamp considerable depth and character, highlighting the quality and individuality of the carving.
The pineapple rests upon a carved and gilded foliate support, rising from a substantial square pedestal base. The base features a stepped architectural design, with decorative gilt mouldings contrasting beautifully against the darker painted surfaces.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this lamp is the elaborate arrangement of gilt-metal palm leaves emerging from the top of the carved pineapple.
Individually shaped from thin metal, the leaves extend dramatically outwards, creating a wonderfully expressive and almost theatrical silhouette.
Their elongated forms, irregular serrated edges and gracefully curving tips have been carefully worked to suggest the natural movement of tropical foliage.
The leaves vary in length and position, some sweeping upwards while others fall gently towards the pineapple body, producing a particularly attractive sense of movement and depth.
The metalwork retains areas of warm historic gilding alongside darker oxidised surfaces, creating a beautifully mellowed appearance.
The combination of richly carved wood and delicate metal foliage is particularly successful, with the substantial pineapple body providing a striking contrast to the lighter, more open arrangement of leaves above.
This unusual construction gives the lamp the appearance of a decorative sculpture, even when not illuminated.
The lamp reflects the influence of French decorative design during the early twentieth century, when traditional craftsmanship was increasingly combined with imaginative and theatrical forms.
During the 1920s and 1930s, French interiors embraced a wide range of decorative influences, including classical ornament, exotic botanical subjects and the luxurious materials associated with Art Deco.
The pineapple, with its distinctive geometric surface and elaborate crown of leaves, was particularly well suited to this decorative vocabulary.
Although Hollywood Regency became more widely recognised as an interior design style during the middle decades of the twentieth century, its origins can be traced to the glamorous and highly decorative interiors of the 1920s and 1930s.
The present lamp captures much of this character, combining the bold silhouette, contrasting finishes and dramatic botanical ornament associated with the style.
Its black and gilt decoration is particularly evocative of sophisticated French interiors of the period, while the elaborate palm leaves introduce an appealing element of theatricality.
The pineapple has held an important place in European decorative arts for centuries.
Introduced to Europe from the Americas, pineapples became highly prized during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when their rarity and the considerable expense involved in cultivation made them symbols of wealth, refinement and hospitality.
By the Georgian period, the pineapple had become an established decorative motif in British and European country houses, appearing in architecture, furniture, silverware, ceramics and garden ornament.
Frequently associated with welcome and generous hospitality, the pineapple was particularly appropriate for entrance halls, dining rooms and reception spaces.
Its distinctive form continued to inspire designers throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
This French lamp beautifully continues that tradition, transforming the familiar pineapple motif into an elaborate and highly decorative lighting object.
The combination of beautifully carved wood, aged black and gold decoration and dramatic gilt-metal foliage gives this lamp exceptional decorative presence.
Its generous proportions make it particularly suitable for a country house drawing room, entrance hall, library, console table or substantial sideboard.
The sculptural form also lends itself beautifully to contemporary interiors, where the rich contrast of black and gilt can provide an individual focal point.
With its distinctive silhouette and wonderfully aged surfaces, the lamp is equally attractive as an illuminated table lamp or as a decorative object in its own right.
A highly characterful example of French decorative lighting, combining traditional craftsmanship, botanical ornament and the glamorous aesthetic associated with Hollywood Regency design.
The lamp is presented in very good decorative antique condition, retaining its beautifully aged black and gilt finish.
It has been carefully cleaned, polished and waxed in the Shackleton Fox workshop, preserving the character and integrity of the historic surfaces.
The carved wooden pineapple displays age-related wear, including areas of rubbing and minor losses to the painted and gilded decoration. These have been retained as part of the lamp's attractive patination.
The gilt-metal foliage displays natural oxidation, variations in the gilding and minor irregularities to the individually shaped leaves, consistent with its age and delicate construction.
The lamp has been fully rewired using British electrical components and PAT inspected in the Shackleton Fox workshop, ensuring it is ready for use in the United Kingdom.
The lamp is photographed with our Medium Empire Lampshade – Ecru with Stucco, handmade in the United Kingdom.
The softly pleated fabric and warm neutral colouring complement the black and gilt finish beautifully, creating an elegant and balanced appearance.
Please note that the lampshade is not included in the advertised price.
The Medium Empire Lampshade – Ecru with Stucco can be purchased separately directly from Shackleton Fox.
All measurements are for the lamp only and exclude the lampshade.
Height: 75 cm / 29.53 inches
Width: 33 cm / 12.99 inches
Depth: 33 cm / 12.99 inches
Weight: 2.7 kg / 5.95 lbs
Date: Circa 1920s–1930s (attributed)
Period: Early 20th century
Origin: France
Maker: Unknown
Style: French Decorative Arts / Art Deco Influence / Early Hollywood Regency
Materials: Carved wood, shaped gilt metal, painted and gilded decoration
Design: Carved pineapple body with radiating gilt-metal palm leaves, foliate support and square architectural pedestal base
Finish: Aged black and gilt
Restoration: Fully cleaned, polished, waxed, rewired using British electrical components and PAT inspected in the Shackleton Fox workshop
Lampshade: Not included; available separately
Stock Reference: 11539
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
