Pair of Large 19th-Century Japanese Satsuma Table Lamps – Grand Gilt Bronze Ormolu Mounts

Pair of Large 19th-Century Japanese Satsuma Table Lamps – Grand Gilt Bronze Ormolu Mounts

A truly magnificent, pair of late 19th-century Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases, brilliantly converted into a statement pair of grand table lamps. As showcased across the reference images, these lamps boast exceptional proportions and substantial presence, making them ideal anchors for a grand console table, sideboard, or large drawing room scheme.

The pottery bodies display the pinnacle of Meiji-period craftsmanship, featuring two primary reserve panels finely hand-painted with traditional domestic and scholarly scenes. A remarkable degree of detail is visible in the close-up images, highlighting the extraordinarily expressive, individualised faces of the figures, their heavily gilded kimonos, and the characteristic fine crackle glaze of authentic Satsuma ware. The side panels, show beautifully rendered, multi-colored butterflies flitting through stylised clouds, set against a rich background of dense geometric brocade work.

The vases are housed in elaborate, heavy gilt bronze (ormolu) mounts. The collars feature ornate, pierced foliate bands flanked by dramatic, scrolling dragon or phoenix handles that sweep down the necks of the vases. The entire structure stands raised on intricate, pierced scrolling feet with a textured, casting texture.

These lamps pair exquisitely with traditional pleated silk or linen shades, adding an instant layer of country house luxury and warm, atmospheric light to both period and eclectic contemporary interiors. (Please note: The shades shown are for display inspiration but are sold separtely in our shop).

During the late Victorian era, the Western fascination with Japanese art—known as Japonisme—reached its absolute zenith. Grand, high-quality Satsuma palace vases exported during the Meiji restoration were considered the ultimate luxury status symbol. Elite European bronziers and retailers frequently fitted these monumental vases with heavy, French-style ormolu mounts to transform them into grand oil lamps or early electric candelabra. Symmetrical pairs of this scale and decorative complexity are increasingly rare today and are highly sought after by international designers to bring scale, warmth, and historic gravitas to luxury interiors.

Hand-painted and heavily gilded Japanese Satsuma earthenware with a classic ivory-toned crackle glaze.

Substantial cast brass/gilt bronze ormolu decorative collars, stylized side handles, and pierced tripod bases.

Vases crafted in Japan (Meiji Period); metalwork mounts added in Europe (likely France or the UK).

Orientalism / Chinoiserie Luxury.

Late 19th Century (circa 1880–1890).

Condition Report

This pair has been completely overhauled and electrically modernised within our workshop.

The earthenware bodies are in excellent antique condition with no structural cracks, chips, or major restorations. The intricate hand-painted enamels remain exceptionally crisp, and the extensive gold leaf gilding retains its brilliant, reflective luster with only minimal, honest age-related surface wear.

The gilt metal mounts are robust, perfectly secure, and display a gorgeous, deep, unpolished golden patina.

Completely rewired using premium braided silk flex to complement the antique metalwork. Fitted with new, high-quality solid brass bulb holders and fully PAT tested to modern UK safety standards, ensuring they are entirely safe and ready to dress your home.

Measurements

Height:               49 cm /      19.3 inch

Width:                20 cm /      7.9 inch

Weight:              3.9 k.g. /     8.6 lbs