A Superb 19th Century French Celadon Porcelain Table Lamp
£450.00
Description
An elegant and highly refined French celadon porcelain table lamp, dating from the second half of the 19th century. Originally conceived as a luxurious "lampe à pétrole" (oil lamp) during the Napoleon III period, this piece has been masterfully converted for modern use while retaining its period character. The baluster-form body is finished in a quintessential pale willow-green celadon glaze, a hue originally inspired by the character "Céladon" in 17th-century French pastoral romance.
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A Superb 19th Century French Celadon Porcelain Table Lamp
An elegant and highly refined French celadon porcelain table lamp, dating from the second half of the 19th century. Originally conceived as a luxurious "lampe à pétrole" (oil lamp) during the Napoleon III period, this piece has been masterfully converted for modern use while retaining its period character. The baluster-form body is finished in a quintessential pale willow-green celadon glaze, a hue originally inspired by the character "Céladon" in 17th-century French pastoral romance.
The porcelain is further elevated by its exquisite gilt bronze (ormolu) mounts, which include a finely chased foliate collar and a heavy, stepped base typical of high-end French craftsmanship of the 1880s. Many such lamps also featured the "pâte-sur-pâte" technique, where translucent white slip was layered to create delicate floral or figurative reliefs that appear to float upon the surface of the celadon.
During the mid-to-late 19th century, French workshops like those in Paris or Sèvres perfected the art of mounting fine porcelain with bronze to suit the eclectic tastes of the Second Empire. These lamps were often the centrepieces of fashionable salons, representing both the height of technological innovation and artistic prestige. Celadon was particularly prized for its resemblance to jade, a material long associated with status and purity in Eastern traditions.
Dealer’s Comments
"This lamp is a testament to the 19th-century French obsession with 'Le Goût Chinois.' The conversion from oil to electric has been executed with remarkable sensitivity, ensuring the original bronze burner assembly remains a central part of the silhouette. It possesses that wonderful 'coolness' of colour that only true celadon can provide, making it an ideal choice for a sophisticated interior seeking a touch of continental history."
Condition Report
The porcelain body is in excellent antique condition with no chips, cracks, or visible restoration. The gilt bronze mounts show a rich, authentic patina consistent with age.
Fully restored and modernised to current UK standards using premium British-made components. The lamp features a new B22 brass bayonet bulb holder and is finished with a traditional silk-braided three-core flex.
Professionally PAT inspected and certified for immediate domestic use.
Measurement
Height:Â Â Â Â Â Â 43 cm /Â Â Â 16.9 inch
Width:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16 cm /Â Â Â 6.3 inch
Depth:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16 cm /Â Â Â 6.3 inch
Weight:Â Â Â Â Â Â 1.6 k.g. /Â Â 3.5 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
