£1,350.00
A thoroughly captivating and beautifully matched pair of late 19th-century Japanese Imari porcelain table lamps, intentionally selected for their desirable, intimate scale, perfectly suited for bedside tables, shallow mantels, or bureau desks. Each lamp features a globular ceramic vase body mounted with heavy, dark-patinated brass, including an ornate, scrolling rococo-style openwork base that elevates the porcelain beautifully.
The porcelain bodies display the classic, highly sought-after Imari palette. The hand-painted decoration features repeating fan and wave-like medallions filled with stylised chrysanthemums and botanical foliage, rendered in rich underglaze cobalt blue and vibrant iron-red overglaze, accented with soft, historically aged gilding.
Their compact size offers an exceptionally neat silhouette that delivers high-end layered lighting without overcrowding a tabletop.
Lampshades not included but can be purchased separately.
Material & Craftsmanship:
Hand-decorated, high-fired Japanese porcelain. The enamel painting exhibits the rich texture and slight irregularities that distinguish true hand-crafted late Qing/Meiji period porcelain from modern reproductions.
Heavy cast metal with a deep, dark patinated brass and subtle beaded detailing around the collars.
100% Natural linen exterior, expertly pleated, with a luxurious pure silk interior lining.
History & Origin:
Origin: Japan (Arita region, exported via the port of Imari).
Style: Traditional Japanese Imari / Chinoiserie.
Age: Late 19th Century (Meiji Period, circa 1880–1900).
Historical Context: Imari porcelain has been highly prized in western interior design since the 17th century, loved for its ability to reflect warm candlelight with its gold and iron-red tones. In the late Victorian era, these beautiful vases were frequently converted into premium oil lamps or early electrical lighting for the morning rooms and bedrooms of grand European estates. Today, authentic pairs of this neat, small size are highly sought after by designers because they effortlessly bring color, narrative history, and organic textile texture into a room.
This pair of table lamps has been fully and professionally conserved within our workshop.
The porcelain bodies are in excellent antique condition, free from structural cracks or chips, retaining wonderful glaze brightness and strong enamel color. Minor, expected wear to the historic gilding is present, consistent with age and confirming their authentic 19th-century origin.
Fully modernised electrically. Both lamps have been completely rewired with premium, insulated twisted-braid silk flex, fitted with new solid brass bulb holders, and officially PAT inspected to UK safety standards, ensuring they are entirely safe and ready for immediate placement.
Lampshades not included
Height: 36 cm / 14.2 inch
Width: 13 cm / 5.1 inch
Weight: 1.5 k.g. / 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