Pair of Antique Japanese Satsuma Porcelain Table Lamps (c.1880)

An exceptional pair of Japanese Satsuma porcelain table lamps, dating from around 1880, originally crafted as oil lamps and later converted to electricity for modern use. These stunning lamps feature richly hand-painted decoration and reflect the height of Meiji-period artistry.

Each lamp is formed from a traditional Satsuma ware vase, beautifully adorned with intricate Japanese figural and landscape scenes, bordered by ornate gilded detailing. The delicate enamels and soft earthy tones are characteristic of authentic Satsuma ceramics—highly prized by collectors and interior designers alike.

About Satsuma Ware:

Satsuma porcelain originates from the Satsuma province in southern Japan, where it was first produced in the early 17th century. However, it was during the Meiji period (1868–1912) that Satsuma ware gained global acclaim. Japanese potters began creating elaborately decorated pieces—often for export to the West—featuring narrative scenes, mythological figures, and aristocratic life, painted in exquisite detail with delicate gold embellishments.

The style became synonymous with Japanese export art, displayed at international exhibitions and collected by European nobility. By the late 19th century, Satsuma vases were frequently adapted for use as oil lamps—particularly for Western markets—making this pair a fine example of cross-cultural craftsmanship during a time of heightened East–West artistic exchange.

Key Features:

• Authentic Meiji-period Satsuma vases, circa 1880

• Originally oil lamps, now professionally converted to electricity

• Finely hand-painted with Japanese scenic panels and raised gilded borders

• Rich enamelling and soft earthy tones typical of Satsuma porcelain

• Set on sturdy metal mounts with elegant lamp fittings

• Suitable for both traditional and eclectic interiors

These lamps are not only functional lighting pieces, but a celebration of 19th-century Japanese porcelain artistry and a fascinating link to the era of global trade and decorative fusion. A rare opportunity to own a pair of elegant, historically significant lamps with enduring visual appeal.