£495.00
An elegant late Victorian French celadon glazed ceramic oil lamp, dating from circa 1890–1910 and later professionally converted for electric use. Beautifully proportioned with a graceful pear-shaped font, this refined lamp combines the understated beauty of French decorative ceramics with polished brass fittings and an ebonised wooden plinth, creating a timeless piece that complements both period and contemporary interiors.
An elegant late Victorian French celadon glazed ceramic oil lamp, dating from circa 1890–1910 and later professionally converted for electric use. Beautifully proportioned with a graceful pear-shaped font, this refined lamp combines the understated beauty of French decorative ceramics with polished brass fittings and an ebonised wooden plinth, creating a timeless piece that complements both period and contemporary interiors.
Originally designed as an oil lamp, the ceramic body is finished in a beautifully even celadon glaze, displaying soft pale green tones with a subtle lustre that gently changes under natural and artificial light. Inspired by the celebrated celadon wares of the Far East, French ceramic manufacturers embraced these delicate green glazes during the late nineteenth century, producing elegant decorative objects admired for their restrained sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship.
The slender neck and rounded body create beautifully balanced proportions, while the polished brass fittings provide a warm contrast to the cool celadon glaze. The ebonised wooden plinth grounds the design, adding definition and allowing the ceramic body to become the principal decorative feature.
Originally intended to support a brass burner and glass chimney, the lamp has been sympathetically converted to electricity, allowing it to retain its historic charm whilst offering the convenience of modern lighting. The conversion has been undertaken with respect for the original design, ensuring the lamp continues to be appreciated as both a functional light source and an elegant decorative object.
The lamp has been fully rewired using quality British electrical components and PAT inspected to current UK standards, ensuring it is ready for immediate use.
Whether placed upon a bedside table, console, sideboard or library desk, this beautiful lamp introduces warmth, elegance and subtle colour to any interior.
Please note: The lampshade illustrated is shown for styling purposes only and is not included in the sale.
The lamp is photographed with our Small Empire Lampshade – Natural with Rosemary Trim | Handmade in the UK, handmade in the United Kingdom exclusively for Shackleton Fox. This lampshade is available to purchase separately and has been carefully selected to complement the proportions and soft colour palette of the lamp.
Celadon is among the world's most celebrated ceramic glazes, first perfected in China over a thousand years ago and admired for its delicate green tones, soft translucency and remarkable depth. During the late nineteenth century, French ceramic manufacturers embraced celadon-inspired glazes, producing refined decorative wares that reflected both Eastern influences and the elegant tastes of the Belle Époque.
Decorative oil lamps became fashionable furnishings throughout France during this period, combining practical illumination with artistic design. Beautiful ceramic fonts mounted with brass burners and glass chimneys became desirable features within both townhouses and country homes. As electricity replaced oil lighting during the early twentieth century, many quality examples were sympathetically converted, allowing them to continue illuminating interiors whilst preserving their original craftsmanship.
The ceramic body has been expertly formed and finished with a smooth celadon glaze displaying subtle tonal variation, a soft lustrous surface and excellent depth of colour. The elegant pear-shaped silhouette demonstrates the refined proportions associated with French decorative ceramics of the late nineteenth century.
The lamp is mounted with polished brass fittings and an ebonised wooden plinth that enhance its elegant profile without distracting from the beauty of the ceramic body. It has been professionally rewired using quality British electrical components, ensuring safe everyday use whilst respecting the character of the original oil lamp.
Originally manufactured in France during the late Victorian period as a decorative ceramic oil lamp, this elegant example has since been professionally converted for electric use. Carefully selected by Shackleton Fox for its graceful proportions, beautiful celadon glaze and timeless decorative appeal.
We are always drawn to antique lighting that combines elegant simplicity with exceptional craftsmanship, and this beautiful French celadon oil lamp is a wonderful example. The graceful pear-shaped silhouette, soft celadon glaze and restrained detailing create a piece that feels effortlessly sophisticated. Thoughtfully converted for modern living, it retains all the charm of its late Victorian origins whilst offering the practicality required for today's interiors.
Presented in excellent antique condition, commensurate with age and use.
The celadon glazed ceramic body displays beautifully with a well-preserved glossy finish and attractive depth of colour. There are only light signs of age together with minor manufacturing characteristics typical of late nineteenth-century ceramics.
The polished brass fittings remain in excellent order with light surface wear consistent with age, whilst the ebonised wooden plinth displays minor signs of careful use.
The lamp has been professionally rewired using quality British electrical components and PAT inspected to current UK standards, ensuring it is ready for immediate use.
Overall, this is a beautifully preserved French antique oil lamp that has been sympathetically converted for modern living whilst retaining the elegance, craftsmanship and character of the original design.
Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches
Width: 12 cm / 4.7 inches
Depth: 12 cm / 4.7 inches
Weight: 1.4 kg / 3.1 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.
