A Brass Gallery is a decorative pierced or solid brass collar fitted around the top of a lamp base, vase or table centrepiece. Originally designed to support a glass shade, oil reservoir or decorative fitting, brass galleries also protect delicate materials such as porcelain, marble or glass while adding architectural detail. Antique brass galleries range from simple turned rings to elaborately pierced designs and are an important feature in many Victorian and Edwardian table lamps.