£800.00
A beautifully decorative 19th-century Chinese Canton Famille Rose porcelain table lamp, richly hand-painted with figural scenes, flowers, foliage, insects and auspicious motifs, and finished with ornate gilt-metal mounts.
A beautifully decorative 19th-century Chinese Canton Famille Rose porcelain table lamp, richly hand-painted with figural scenes, flowers, foliage, insects and auspicious motifs, and finished with ornate gilt-metal mounts.
The porcelain body has an elegant tapering form and is decorated in the characteristic Canton Famille Rose palette. Shaped reserves contain finely painted scenes of figures within traditional Chinese interiors and garden settings, surrounded by an abundance of flowering branches, peonies, bamboo, fruit and foliage.
Particularly charming are the numerous individually painted butterflies, moths and insects dispersed throughout the decoration. These smaller details bring considerable character to the porcelain and reward closer inspection, while the larger figural panels are framed by bold black scrolling borders with delicate gilt highlights.
The predominantly white porcelain ground allows the vibrant pink, green, turquoise, orange and blue enamels to remain particularly fresh and decorative.
The porcelain has subsequently been converted into a table lamp and mounted with substantial gilt-metal fittings. The pierced circular base features scrolling foliate decoration and shaped feet, while the upper mount takes the form of an elegant fluted classical column embellished with acanthus and shell-inspired ornament.
The combination of richly decorated Chinese porcelain and European-style gilt mounts gives the lamp a wonderfully layered character, bringing together two distinct decorative traditions.
At 48 cm high, its compact proportions make it particularly versatile. It would sit beautifully on a bedside table, smaller console, writing desk or occasional table, providing both decorative interest and atmospheric lighting without overwhelming its surroundings.
The porcelain is decorated in the Canton Famille Rose tradition, a highly decorative form of Chinese export porcelain particularly associated with the 19th century.
The hand-painted decoration incorporates figural court and domestic scenes alongside peonies, flowering branches, bamboo, fruit, foliage, butterflies, moths and other insects.
Black enamel scrolling borders frame the principal scenes, while touches of gilding and the characteristic Famille Rose palette create depth and richness across the surface.
The close-up details are particularly appealing, revealing the considerable amount of individual painted decoration that can easily be missed when viewing the lamp as a whole.
Famille Rose porcelain developed in China during the early 18th century following the introduction of a new family of opaque enamel colours, most notably the characteristic pink tones from which the Western name Famille Rose derives.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Canton — present-day Guangzhou — became closely associated with elaborately decorated porcelain produced for export to European and North American markets.
Canton Famille Rose wares are particularly recognisable for their densely decorated surfaces, frequently combining figural scenes with flowers, birds, butterflies, insects, fruit and traditional Chinese motifs.
Chinese porcelain was highly prized within European interiors, and antique vessels were subsequently frequently adapted for use as decorative lighting. This example has been sensitively converted into a table lamp, with its elaborate gilt-metal mounts complementing the richness of the original porcelain.
19th Century, Qing Dynasty
Circa 1860–1890
China
Canton (Guangzhou) export porcelain.
A particularly charming example of Canton Famille Rose porcelain, selected for the quality and abundance of its hand-painted decoration.
What appealed to us especially were the smaller details scattered between the principal figural scenes. Butterflies, insects, flowering branches, fruit and foliage create an almost continuous decorative surface, while the black borders and gilt highlights provide definition and contrast.
The elaborate gilt-metal mounts are equally important to the overall appearance of the lamp. Rather than feeling like a simple porcelain conversion, they give the piece an elegant architectural quality and complement the richness of the Chinese decoration.
Its relatively compact proportions also make this a very usable antique lamp, suitable for interiors where the decorative impact of Canton porcelain is wanted without the scale of a large vase lamp.
The lamp has passed through the Shackleton Fox workshop for a full assessment and renovation.
It has been fully rewired using quality British electrical components and has been PAT inspected and tested prior to sale, ensuring it is ready for continued use in the modern home while respecting the character of the original piece.
Please note: The lampshade shown in the photographs is not included with the lamp. It is available to purchase separately directly from Shackleton Fox.
The shade pictured is our Small Empire Lampshade – Ecru with Stucco, handmade in the UK using traditional methods and selected to complement the proportions and colouring of this lamp.
Lampshade sold separately.
Presented in good antique condition, with age-related wear consistent with the age and decorative nature of the piece.
The porcelain retains strong colour and detail throughout. There is some minor rubbing and wear to areas of the painted and gilded decoration, together with the small imperfections expected of hand-decorated 19th-century porcelain.
The gilt-metal mounts display areas of natural patination, rubbing and surface wear consistent with age and use.
These characteristics have been retained as part of the lamp's history and decorative character. Please refer to the detailed photographs, which form part of the condition report.
Height: 48 cm / 18.9 inches
Width: 20 cm / 7.9 inches
Depth: 20 cm / 7.9 inches
Weight: 3.8 kg / 8.4 lbs
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.
