£1,350.00
A striking and highly decorative pair of late 19th-century Italian Majolica table lamps, expertly adapted from ceramic vases into elegant bedside or salon lighting. These exceptional pieces combine fine Renaissance Revival artistry with refined gilt brass mounting, creating a sophisticated statement for both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Each lamp features a spherical hand-thrown Majolica body, richly decorated with detailed narrative scenes in the Renaissance grotesque tradition. The central medallions depict finely painted grisaille imagery of a winged putto riding a mythical sea creature, framed within ornate cartouches in cobalt blue, ochre, and manganese tones. These are supported by classical figures of sea nymphs, adding depth and theatrical composition to the design.
The surrounding panels continue the narrative theme, featuring vibrant Renaissance Revival grotesques including a winged griffin and heraldic dragon motifs, all executed with exceptional detail and strong colour contrast. The overall effect is richly decorative and highly collectible.
The ceramic bodies are mounted on substantial gilt brass bases in the Rococo and Renaissance Revival style. These feature scrolling acanthus leaf feet and finely detailed engine-turned collars, giving the lamps both stability and architectural presence.
Produced in Italy during the late 19th century (circa 1880–1900), these lamps reflect the Grand Tour revival of Renaissance decorative arts. Centres such as Deruta, Urbino and Castelli were renowned for producing high-quality Majolica inspired by 16th-century Italian grotesque painting traditions, originally associated with Raphael’s workshop.
During this period, wealthy European travellers sought decorative objects that reflected the cultural prestige of Renaissance Italy. As a result, workshops produced highly ornate ceramic works that were often later mounted in bronze or brass for use in grand interiors.
Today, pairs of Italian Majolica lamps of this quality and scale are increasingly rare and highly sought after by interior designers and collectors for their colour, narrative detail and sculptural presence.
Italy (likely Deruta, Urbino or Castelli)
Renaissance Revival / Grand Tour / Neo-Renaissance
Late 19th Century (circa 1880–1900)
Very good antique condition.
The Majolica bodies remain structurally sound, with strong colouration and well-preserved painted decoration. There is minor age-related surface wear and light glaze irregularities consistent with handmade 19th-century ceramic production, which enhance authenticity and character.
The gilt brass mounts are secure and present a warm, aged patina.
The lamps have been fully professionally restored in our workshop. They have been completely rewired using high-quality braided flex, fitted with new solid brass bulb holders, and fully PAT tested to modern UK electrical safety standards. They are safe and ready for immediate use when installed by a qualified electrician.
Height: 32 cm / 12.6 in
Width: 15 cm / 5.9 in
Weight: 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs
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
