Antique Chinese Crackle Glaze Lamp with Foo Dog Motifs
£475.00
Description
A captivating Antique Chinese Table Lamp, dating to the late 19th century, expertly combining traditional Chinese ceramic artistry with fine bronze craftsmanship. Originally created as an oil lamp, this piece has been sympathetically converted to electricity, preserving its authentic charm while making it suitable for modern-day use.
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Delivery Leadtime
International delivery is estimated at 5-7 working days.
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Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Crackle Glaze Table Lamp with Foo Dog Motifs and Ornate Bronze Mounts
A captivating Antique Chinese Table Lamp, dating to the late 19th century, expertly combining traditional Chinese ceramic artistry with fine bronze craftsmanship. Originally created as an oil lamp, this piece has been sympathetically converted to electricity, preserving its authentic charm while making it suitable for modern-day use.
The lamp features a distinctive crackle-glazed porcelain body in an elegant off-white tone, a decorative technique favoured in Chinese ceramics for centuries. The controlled crazing effect (crackle glaze) enhances the depth and character of the surface, creating a fine network of lines across the glaze, which was often valued both aesthetically and symbolically.
The body is adorned with black-painted Chinese Foo Dog (guardian lion) motifs on opposing sides. These mythical creatures are powerful symbols of protection in Chinese culture, traditionally placed at the entrances of temples, palaces, and homes to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
Set on an intricately cast bronze base with raised feet, and finished with a scalloped bronze collar at the top, the piece exhibits a blend of elegance and strength. The bronze fittings are richly patinated, reflecting the age and authenticity of the lamp.
Crackle glaze (Ge ware) has been a feature of Chinese ceramics since the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), appreciated for its organic patterns that emerged during the cooling process of high-fired glazes. In the 18th and 19th centuries, crackle glaze ceramics were widely produced for both domestic and export markets, often used for decorative vessels, vases, and lamps.
Foo Dogs, or Shishi (石獅), are traditional Chinese guardian lions with deep symbolic meaning. Seen in both imperial architecture and artwork, they embody strength, courage, and protective power. Their inclusion in decorative arts like this lamp reflects both cultural reverence and stylistic flair.
This lamp likely originates from a Qing Dynasty workshop, made in the late 19th century as part of China’s export ware boom, during which Chinese artisans produced high-quality porcelain and bronzework for Western collectors and interiors.
Condition Report
Very good antique condition, consistent with age and use.
Structurally sound with no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. Original crackle glaze finish is intact and displays a rich network of age-appropriate crazing, typical of 19th-century Chinese ceramics.
Base and scalloped top show a pleasing aged patina, adding character. All fittings are secure and stable.
Professionally rewired to UK standards using high-quality British-made components. Fully PAT tested and certified for safety and functionality.
Measurement
Height: 47 cm / 18.5 inch
Width: 17 cm / 6.7 inch
Depth: 17 cm / 6.7 inch
Weight: 3.9 k.g. / 8.6 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
