Antique 19th Century French Pink Opaline Glass Baluster Table Lamp
£450.00
Description
An exceptionally elegant and vibrant 19th-century French opaline glass baluster table lamp. Blown in a striking, deep pastel pink hue, the glass body features a classic onion-form or baluster silhouette that tapers beautifully into a slender, elongated neck.
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Delivery Leadtime
International delivery is estimated at 5-7 working days.
Full details will be confirmed during the ordering process.
Antique 19th Century French Pink Opaline Glass Baluster Table Lamp
An exceptionally elegant and vibrant 19th-century French opaline glass baluster table lamp. Blown in a striking, deep pastel pink hue, the glass body features a classic onion-form or baluster silhouette that tapers beautifully into a slender, elongated neck. The lustrous pink glass body stands on a heavy, ornate cast-brass base featuring sweeping Rococo-style scrolling foliage and acanthus leaf details, complemented by a matching reeded brass collar at the neck.
Why We Love It
Vibrant Pastel Palette: True 19th-century pink opaline glass is highly sought after by designers for its milky, translucent depth and ability to inject soft, sophisticated color into modern interiors.
Striking Silhouette: The fluid, sweeping curves of the blown glass body offer an understated, clean aesthetic that feels incredibly timeless.
Lustrous Reflection: The pristine surface finish catches surrounding ambient lighting beautifully, highlighting the exceptional quality of the antique glass craftsmanship.
Design & Craftsmanship
Origin: France
Materials: Hand-Blown Opaline Glass, Ornate Cast Brass Mounts.
Details: The lamp is grounded by a heavily cast, detailed Rococo brass plinth and capped with a beautifully detailed, scalloped brass collar, showing an authentic mix of polished highlights and deep, aged patina.
Historical Context
Dating to the late 19th century, this piece is a classic example of French luxury glass lighting. Opaline glass was originally produced in France during the 19th century, hitting the height of its popularity during the Napoleon III era. Known for its high lead content and milky appearance, pink opaline (often called rose opaline) was incredibly expensive to manufacture due to the gold salts required to achieve the pink coloration, making it a staple of high-society European drawing rooms.
Why It Works Today
Perfect for adding a punch of joyful luxury to a space, this lamp anchors the "Grandmillennial" trend while adapting effortlessly to Hollywood Regency or sophisticated maximalist interiors. The pop of pink functions almost like a neutral when styled against moody velvets, bold florals, or crisp contemporary walls.
Perfect For
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Creating an inviting glow on a living room side table or occasional desk.
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Bringing high-end boutique luxury to a principal bedroom nightstand.
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Serving as a standalone statement piece on a hallway console or a dining room buffet.
Recommended Lampshade
Lampshade not included but can be purchased direct from us at Shackleton Fox. As styled in pictures, we highly recommend pairing this fluid base with our Medium Empire Lampshade in Ecru with Stucco. The structured pleating and understated, elegant tones of the Ecru fabric perfectly balance the clean, sweeping silhouette of the glass base, diffusing a warm light that beautifully showcases the pink opaline's natural translucent glow.
Restoration & Rewiring Notes
This lamp has been meticulously and sympathetically restored in our workshop. It has been fully rewired from the ground up using premium, period-correct twisted fabric-covered three-core flex and fitted with a new brass B22 switched bayonet bulb holder. Fully PAT tested, completely safe, and ready for immediate use.
Condition
Presented in spectacular antique condition. The hand-blown pink glass body is remarkably well-preserved with no chips, cracks, deep scratches, or clouding; the glass retains its signature high-gloss, milky sheen. The heavy brass base and collar are structurally sound and exhibit a gorgeous, authentic warm golden patina with minimal oxidation in the crevasses.
Measurements
Height: ~44 cm / 17.3 inches
Width: ~15 cm / 5.9 inches
Depth: ~16 cm / 5.9 inches
Weight: ~ 1.8 kg / 4 lbs
Workshop Conservation & Preparation
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.
