French Bouillotte Brass Table Lamp with Swan Arms & Original Green Tole Shade, Circa 1900
Description
A highly refined French bouillotte-style table lamp, dating to circa 1900, cast in gilt brass with elegant neoclassical detail. This exceptional piece features three finely modelled swan-form arms, each supporting faux candle sockets in the traditional Empire manner. Above rests the original green-painted tole shade, trimmed with a gilt edge, adjustable via the central stem — a hallmark of true bouillotte design.
Mainland UK Delivery Included
International Shipping
Delivery Leadtime
International delivery is estimated at 5-7 working days.
Full details will be confirmed during the ordering process.
French Bouillotte Brass Table Lamp with Swan Arms & Original Green Tole Shade, Circa 1900
A highly refined French bouillotte table lamp, dating to circa 1900, cast in gilt brass with elegant neoclassical detail. This exceptional piece features three finely modelled swan-form arms, each supporting faux candle sockets in the traditional Empire manner. Above rests the original green-painted tole shade, trimmed with a gilt edge, adjustable via the central stem — a hallmark of true bouillotte design.
Bouillotte lamps were originally conceived in late 18th-century France to accompany the popular card game bouillotte, and their characteristic adjustable tole shades were designed to control light. This example belongs to the next wave of such pieces, around 1900, when the Empire style saw a refined revival during the Belle Époque — blending classical taste with modern electric functionality.
The detailing is exemplary: swan motifs, associated with the Empress Joséphine and the decorative grandeur of the First Empire, are sharply defined and ornately rendered. The lamp retains its original gilt finish and presents with a rich, warm patina throughout.
This lamp would have likely been produced in a top Parisian atelier or maison de bronze, and similar high-quality examples are represented in both private collections and international decorative arts auctions.
Condition Report
Very good condition
The lamp has been fully rewired to UK standards using quality UK fittings and has passed a PAT (Portable Appliance Test) for electrical safety. It is in safe working order and ready for immediate use.
Measurement
Height:       71 cm   /   28 inches
Width:       39 cm   /   15.4 inches
Depth:       39 cm   /   15.4 inches
Weight:      3.9 k.g  /    8.6 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
We complete a full assessment, re-wire and PAT inspection on all lighting. The full assessment can include general upkeep and updating – Fitting new lamp holders, deep cleaning, minor repairs and replacement of fragile metal pins are all part of our service. Rewiring includes a standard rewire to conform with UK electrical regulations to an adaptation or conversion
